Desert Dweller

He died just before noon on his ninety-third birthday.

When I was a baby, Dad bathed me, changed my diapers,
and fed me.
When I was two, I had pneumonia
and caused a few sleepless nights.
When I was four, he taught me how to shave
with shaving cream on my face
and a teaspoon in my hand.

When he was ninety-two, I bathed him, changed his briefs,
and fed him.
When he was an elder, he had pneumonia
and caused a few sleepless nights.
When he was unable, I gave him a shave
with shaving cream on his face
and a safety razor in my hand.

Dad was with me when I took a breath on my first day of life,
and I was with him today when he took his last breath.

Happy Birthday, Dad.
Rest in Peace.
© 2026 Bruno Talerico
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