And Suddenly...
by Michael Doyle

And suddenly, 
I was the guy on the floor
The pain in my chest
Too difficult to ignore

The daughters stood there
In frozen frames of time
Being brave despite their fear
Would daddy live to share another rhyme?

Dear Lord, don't let me die
I whispered softly with a sigh
Doing my best to be brave
Hopeful of those there meaning to save

An explosive sort of force
Feeling like fire in my chest
Reaching deep into my source
Only God's help would pass this test

Feeling sorry for my choices
Clinging closely to their voices
Praying to live to breathe another day
Holding close to my love in every way

Dear Lord, don't let me die
I whispered softly with a sigh
Doing my best to be brave
Defiantly pushing back from the grave

Knowing the truth of my mistakes
Breathing shallow but holding on
Feeling my heart's fibers break
Please, Dear Lord, don't let me be gone

Looking deeply into my daughters' eyes
Quietly begging God for one more chance
Speaking encouraging words that felt like lies
What I would give to see them to their prom dances

Dear Lord, don't let me die
I whispered softly with a sigh
Doing my best to be brave
Unready as all men aren't for the grave

(c) June 10, 2021  Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved