the light is out in the hallway

my father

calls to tell me the hall light is out

in the hallway.

can i come

down

and change it for him.

it's a four

hour drive, but i say, okay.

i stop

and pick up a six

pack of 60 watt bulbs

and drive

to his house

on the eastern shore.

when i get there,

he has the ladder out.

i change the bulb

then eat a tuna sandwich

with him at his small

round table in the kitchen.

i ask him, if there's anything

else.

he says, no, not now,

but i'll call

if i think of something.

he waves from the door,

as i drive away.