The Final Goodbye

by Shirley Gerald Ware
(Massachusetts)

The Final Goodbye


(dedicated, to my deceased dad, Boyd Gerald)


Years ago, when I was ten

I found your lifeless body

face down on the frozen ground.

The impact of your death

Crippled me mentally

And sent me on a road of uncertainty.


I looked for answers but came up emptyhanded.

The answers I searched for were only to be

Found in me.


You came to me in a dream

And told me to carry on

Because this was your

Final Goodbye.


From that dream, I grew stronger

Just like you wanted me to be.

Rest in peace, Dad


The Almighty chose wisely

When he chose you.