Daddy

by: Enith Morillo

"And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor.

"And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: `My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.'"

The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 17, Verses 23 – 24

Here, let me give you a hand
Sit, carefully, lean on me; don't feel bad
Let me hold your cup of coffee this time
So it won't spill, like these years
So it won't burn you, like my entrails
So it won't stain another tablecloth.

Tell me about the book again
The one you've always wanted to write
The one about all the friends
Who ever lent you a hand.

Don't be ashamed to be infirm
For as your limbs shake, so do my insides.
Don't apologize for garbled speech
For your words mean the world to me.
You are still my rock,
Even if you can't eat on your own anymore.

Let's reminisce, Daddy
Of childhood Saturdays gone by
Singing silly, made-up songs
Sweetened with strawberries and cream
Walking by the Maracaibo Lake Park.

Here, let me give you a hand
Stand, carefully, lean on me; don't feel sad
Let me walk you to the bed this time
So you won't fall, like my tears
So you won't stalk, like my fears
So you won't break another bone.

Be selfish, at least once.
Ask me to spend the night by your side,
To make up for these fifteen years of solitude
Living away from you
Out of sight, out of mind.