Light shine through into a heart filled with darkness

He fell backwards—

and refused every hand.

An auntie held steady.

A guard stood near.

Three paramedics arrived

and did not let go.

He fought,

they worked.

A familiar voice softened the edge.

I watched—in awe.

There’s always a difference

when professional hands arrive in time.

I keep thinking—

if only they had come for my father then.

Perhaps

the ending would have learned

a different shape.

Non nobis solum nati sumus. (Not for ourselves alone are we born.) ― Marcus Tullius Cicero