On This Date

Today’s the anniversary
Of Lennon’s getting shot,
A date that I remember
Though for reasons that are not
Related in the slightest way
To John or how he died;
It wasn’t for a Beatle that
On this day I once cried.

My father went for surgery,
His heart, on this same date.
“A piece of cake,” we heard
As they prepared to operate.
But something unexpected
Happened while my dad was under;
He slipped into a coma,
Ripping all our lives asunder.

The world shed tears for Lennon
And I might have done so, too,
But I focused on my father,
Hoping somehow he’d pull through.
There would be no happy ending;
In two days my dad was dead
And forever they’re connected,
He and John, within my head.