July 18, 2011

• 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.

  • 2:40 am
  • 7 Comments