I’m new to all of this

My Dad was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It’s terminal of course and I’ve heard a hard time coping. I decided to try and write some poems, it’s something to do and it’s good for my heart. I’m only 25, my dad is 55. Also a little ironic because I’m a 6th grade teacher and HATE teaching poetry, but here we are.

Someone poked a hole in my life raft 

I rush to cover the tear 

No matter how hard I try to patch it 

The water is always there 

A slow and dying leak 

I hug it and tell it I need it 

But my words are always weak

We drift, we sink 

We sink, we drift 

Ever so slowly down 

I get closer to the water 

As the raft begins to drown 

It stays afloat for a moment 

Despite its impending doom 

What am I supposed to do?

Here it comes 

The water begins to pour 

A weight no raft could bear 

Down, wet, and cold 

I plead to those who will listen 

I cannot survive without 

This raft I try to hold

I am underwater now 

Watching the surface leave 

This is it, I give in 

I have no air to breathe 

My eyes are rolling back 

But the water starts to clear 

Just enough for one more breath 

Before I disappear

Again, again, again 

Just one more breath to keep 

I am so exhausted 

I just want to sleep 

So that one more time 

I can see him, like before

My Dad