I missed your day
by a day –
a taciturn
day it was for me:
Unsettled
restless
sleepless
night
dreamless
just
on the cusp
of yesterday
today
tomorrow
never.
On your day
this
summer
you’d be
73.
In the ethers
29 years now:
not long
for a fir tree
just reaching
fullness
on the mountain,
or for
frigid
water
furiously
cresting
round
volcanic boulder
mid stream
with
your name
in your honor
brazen
brass
announcing
to all
you were
once
and forever
“a lover of this river.”
But I confess
I celebrated you
in the only way
I know:
staring at wildflowers,
their bold colors
feverishly bright
in afternoon sun
visited
by white butterflies,
listening to the
brash crows
cawing
landing
on the walnut tree
boisterous
young fledglings
in tow
beaks
open
bright
pomegranate
sounding
shrill
notes
of serious hunger;
a raccoon
big as a happy country marm
middle of the morn
teeter
tottering
on the back fence,
as though
she were
in verdant
rich glade
not mid city;
a goldfinch
in the feeder
I’d only just
filled
after 6 weeks of absence.
All the gifts
I get to
unwrap for you
this
so many years later,
not the least:
a kiss
from our feisty
grand daughter
you never met.
As I near the other edge,
I feel closer
to that walk
in the morning fog
were we once
mused how
death might wrap
around us
sweetly
gently
silent
rocking us
in a last embrace….
The porch chimes
announce
sunset,
breezes
singing
this last chord:
in my heart
it will always
be your song,
always.
A stunning poem. Full heart and tears in my eyes.
Truly touching. I know he was with you as you unwrapped each gift.
Such a heartfelt poem filled with love and memories!!!!
Reminding us that Love never leaves us but is always a
part of us that we cherish in our heart and soul!!
Poem is the best. Imagery is the best. You’re the best.