I’m not ready to say farewell

to the boy

from Selly Park

of integrity and standards

that far outweigh my own,

and yet I know he last said

goodbye to me in his own voice

on a distant date

that I didn’t remark upon at the time

but which now has been replaced with a softer,

unknown tone to which is filled with love

and smiles,

but which isn’t my Dad’s.

He looks like the one who hoisted me on his shoulders,

who cheered me on