Afraid

For my father.

I know you are afraid.
You who stored echoes, like ripe golden corn
bursting with life, they danced off your tongue
as you captured a moment, wrapped it in silk
and thought it safe;
I know you are afraid.

We are all afraid.
Things hang in the balance too precious to lose;
Conversance, the relish that seasons a life.
Panic, it bites me, I fear for my place
In your mind and your heart; I'm selfish.
Yes, we are all afraid.

But i remember.
And i know that my life has been short
But your love has enshrined every inch of my mind
And been pressed 'tween my pages, imortalised, gold.
So the times that we've shared, and will share, and are in,
I will wrap up like jewels,
and keep them safe