During my first year you met my Aunt
I barely knew her, but you taught her well.
She didn’t fight, She didn’t fuss,
She closed her eyes and turned to dust.
I didn’t know why, I wasn’t told when
But then one day, you took my best friend.
I sat on the stairs; tears turned to waterfalls,
No one to hug, No one to love.
My precious love, only seven years old,
Distracted by green, I forgot what love could mean.
I never knew August could feel so cold
That brisk summer day haunts my nights
Worked every day 50 years straight
Greasy hands, paper bag lunch.
Four daughters, hands held tight
One was there to guide him to the light.
He said, “Everything’s nifty, everything’s neat”
Without him holidays were incomplete.
No explanation, a phone call in the dark
Seeing sweater vests still hurt my heart.
Three generations under her family tree.
Ninety-eight years wise, she welcomed her passing;
She’d seen wars beyond my understanding
But there were no regrets; she had no reason to be upset.
I’ve thought about meeting you, I’ve considered it a lot
Yet every time, I’ve always stopped.
When you’re ready, you know where I’ll be
And when I get there, I know whom I’ll see.