Off to the Slaughter

I had just visited my Mom and Dad,
Then flown back to my home, my wife, my daughter
As June began, the weather getting hotter.
My father said, “It’s time. Now, don’t be sad,
Take me to hospice care. I’m feeling bad,
But not about the end. I’ll watch the water
Through the window.” So, off to the slaughter —
I missed it all, and yes, I did get mad.

I should have known. Time learns to twist the knife:
Instead of thinking I was pretty tough
Maybe I should have waited. Things got rough
When I was with my mother, then my wife,
As each of them endured the end of life.
I’ve had enough of that now. More than enough.