In life, you brought laughs
and relief in tense moments.
You traded me tobacco
for ***** and friendship.
You died this week. I’m sad
for your loss, but I have not wept.
I still hear the humorous timber
of your voice, and I remember
the way you let things slide.
That’s your gift. The memories
of our chuckles together
dissolved my tears.

-Ron Gavalik