For Sonny I watched my father die And it was gentle; A simple cessation of breath After so much suffering. I grieve for my loss But not for him. He is in some celestial poolhall In eternal Brooklyn With a full head of hair And a sharp suit. Later he will grab a cab To Manhattan to see Sinatra And dance at the Copa. Dawn will find him On a bridge Tossing coins into the mythical Hudson. One for Jack, to keep him safe; One for Kate, "Be content baby"; And one for Matthew, "Stay warm." Then he lifts off for Japan After the war. The sun glints off guardian wings. (c) 2001 M.J. Tenerelli

M.J. Tenerelli AnotherSun regular, with a poem for her late father.