Old man!

My lungs filled with the sudden fumes of nicotine

Borrowed from the neighbor.

Nostalgia of you kicked so hard,

Like a tsunami it engulfed me.

Your studio would smell of tobacco and turpentine.

Your shirts carried traces of smoke and paint

The days you took me to the zoo..

The days you bought my birthday cakes.

On your bike, I sat pillion hugging you tight.

On your desk, I sat quiet watching you paint.

I love you so unconditional

I am left with the straws to grasp onto..

Once you had cradled me

Once you had braided my hair

with those paint stained,

cigarette holding fingers

I didn't get your fingers or your nose

Sadly not even your eyes.

Just your temperament!

Nothing you did was wrong.

Nothing you were was false.

With each passing day I understand you better.

And with that I realize how defined and distinguished you were.

I never told you how you defined me.

I never let you know how much you mean.

Too late to say I am sorry.

I am too behind to say anything.