an old man in palliative care on an island

when you first came to me
red lips on a sandy shore
I was a fool to believe
the golden words
your warm lips
when you waved goodbye
and promised to be back
I waited all those long years
of wife and kids
and no regrets
I guess the skipper was a good catch
now the horizon plays
the fool with me — from red
to grey then pinch-sharp blue
I thought I saw your face again
when you first came to me
red lips on a sandy shore