I.
you died on a tuesday
day after memorial day
in north country

where you took your family in the summer time
where you lived out your days

in solace
in peace
in quiet

you died in hospice
without waking
without dreaming
without leaving your bed

just silence
just death
just you

and the empty room

at 9:30 in the morning
near lake michigan

II.
and i was grateful to see you
one last time

with my son
all of two years old

saying hello
saying goodbye
saying “love you great grandpa”

in his high overtoned
over pitched
beautiful way

as i kissed you on the forehead
made the sign of the cross
and told you i loved you

and i knew you were leaving
i knew it was almost over
as your eyes fluttered

and your face looked ready
looked done
looked on

to other worlds
other lifetimes
with grandma waiting
and friends calling to you
with open arms

you were 94
it was time to go
time to leave

time to start again

goodbye old soul
goodbye grandpa
goodbye

and thank you.