Night Vigil by Mimi DiFrancesca
On the last night of his life
My father asked to see the stars
So I lifted his frail weight into the chair
And wheeled him out the door-
Beneath the Phoenix midnight sky
His cloudy eyes looked up
To soak in the vast dome of wonder-
A million points of light awaited him
Visible, even hindered by the street lights
His old friends were waiting still
Like they had so long ago
When he ran through an Illinois field
His brothers at his side
Surely, like they did as he stood on deck
To cross the channel of black water
That brought his different brothers
to the shore of Normandy
Even then, those same shining friends
Stood guard
As promise of more-
And on that last night of July
Beneath the desert sky
He took one last look
Certain then the stars were true
Forever holding their celestial vigil
Witnessing the lives
Of every being
Across the universe
Reminder
Promise
Of something more.
Word Ninja Girl 