a phone call from my mother
she is in the ambulance
my father is on the gurney
we meet them at the emergency room
he is in agonizing pain
the O.R. is being prepared
I wrap my fingers through his
"I wish I could kiss your hand" he whispers
I place my cold hand against his warm cheek
he turns his head and delicately places his lip against my palm
"You are doing so good" I say.
I tell him I've spoken with my sister in Boston
and he cries.
"The world goes round cause of dads" read a text from my friend.
She knows about dads and daughters.
today my world is still going round.
