My Dad the Giant

I don't think I've posted this. I wrote it years ago and it came up today so I thought I'd share it with those that read. It was submitted to be published, but wasn't selected. I think it should have been, but I'm biased.

The Athabasca river flew by swiftly

And I threw rocks and watched the splashes

Being engulfed by the current.

One rock decided I should follow

If it had to freeze so would I.

Dad chased me along the shore as I bobbed

Down the river.

He looked frightened, angry.

The water was too cold to feel, or I don’t remember.

Only feeling his giant hand

Plucking me from liquid ice.

When he grew sick,

I could not save him

From leukemia, his icy river inside.

Dad felt pain I never had to.

His rock would not let go.

Nineteen months I ran along his shore

I didn’t look scared, just angry.

Dad could do everything,

But I could never pull him from death’s grip.

I didn’t have big enough hands.