Yesterday
You were laughing at my antics
A cigar dangling from your lips
Bearing the house on your shoulders
Your strong silhouette veiled in tobacco smoke
Every visit brought childish hopes
Of sweet tooth satisfaction from
Shredded ice and a touch of syrup

Today
You lie in a hospital bed
A doctor or nurse ever-present by your side
Bearing news that slowly deflate our hopes
Your armchair now empty
Every visit brings more fear to our family
Of losing you
Shredded hopes concealed in fake smiles

Tomorrow
You aren't in that bed anymore
A dark car slides by
Bearing a dreaded wooden box
Your soul drifts amongst us
Every touch of your ghost brings memories
Of better times, lacking
Shredded tissues clenched in shaking hands

Don't go.