Vigil

1.

I can take a nap any time of day.
Five minutes at my desk. Ten

At the dining room table. Longer
In an uncomfortable wooden rocker.

My kids see it all the time, like
Clockwork; their father’s momentary

Ease. I didn’t see my father sleeping
Until last week after a long day

Of transfusions and transport,
He was asleep to the sounds of

Baseball on TV when I got
To his room and sat quietly by.

All the years of my life to see
His hands, his face, alive, at rest.