95/365 : for my old man

do not bow out
as you near the end
saying, you... you go on and
smell the tulips without me

do not begin to believe
for even a moment
that the scent of love
is limited

or that you have lost
your sense
for breathing it in

take the daylight
by its hands and
skip across the sidewalk
of your heart

scribble truth in
light blue chalk
knowing the rain
will wash it away

draw smiley faces and
hop scotch mazes anyway

who cares what tomorrow brings
you've survived thousands of them
you will outlive many more

if the doorway of today
is inviting you to play
dear god, please don't
stay cooped, shutters shut

the sun doesn't always shine
this wildly