09/14/2026
A poem for my grandpa, who turned 96 yesterday and spent the day in the hospital.
He’ll be there awhile yet, yet I’m happy to report, he’s survived surgery and will see the sun shine on this earth once again.
The poem is below for those who wish to read—
It feels wrong to hear dogs happily barking
Their tails wagging joyfully in the air with the possibility of what’s next
Right now, they’re likely putting you to sleep for brain surgery
The sun shines like summer might be coming back
Today is your 96th birthday and I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to see it
Last night, your neighbours found you on the floor of your living room
Alone
As you’ve been for nearly a year since she passed
Every day, you open and shut your curtains
Yesterday, you left them open
Did the sun catch you while you lay there in the late afternoon?
Today, the staff at the hospital all wished you a happy birthday
My dad says you’ve gotten lots of attention
I know you’d hate to admit it, but you love to feel special
To be noticed and considered
I’m glad your neighbours saw that the blinds weren’t shut
I’m glad they called my dad and that he got there in time
I’m glad you were smiling on your birthday
That your kids were by your side
The doctor said this might be your last day before they took you for surgery
You said, ‘I’m ready and I’ve had a great life’
My dad told me you seemed happier than you have in a long time
Selfishly, I hope you’re still here tomorrow
If not, I know you’ll be with her
Wrapped in her light once again
The dogs will continue to yip and run into the future
I’ll decide they’re celebrating in your honour, though they have no clue
A lot of people are out there living their lives
Maybe they’re enjoying the nice weather
Maybe they’ve got troubles of their own
I’m sitting here looking at your paintings and lamenting why we get to hold onto things when we have to let people go
It’s unfair, knowing I might wake up tomorrow and you won’t be here,
I know you’d rather I keep shining than feeling sorry about any of it
