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The river by the pier is calm and peaceful this morning.
There are huge rafts of mallards slowly parading in processions
Along the shore and out towards the main channel.
At 4 AM last night your father died in his sleep at home.
You called to tell me about his last hours.
I am so sad for you but so happy you were there
Comforting him with your words of love
Helping your sister and his sister to bear your loss.
How wonderful his friend came by who knew to get
His favorite tool his father’s small brad hammer
Cherished all these years from when he was a boy
And put it in his hand to take to the ancestors.
There is always unfinished business in our lives
But for the important relationships in his life
All was right with him in his last days.
No regrets. He was a very good man.
