timeline

yet another summer arrives

they come so quickly now

and you aren’t here.

you always said

be a life-long learner

and I took that to heart.

in the 28 years I got to call you dad

call you when I needed advice

pickup your calls

with no agenda other than to say you loved me

let you hold my hand when I was little

even though it embarrassed me that

you cared so much for me

I continue to learn

to linger a little longer

to care a little more

to disregard the timeline of the world

like you did.