To Him

today somebody slipped away

to do whatever happens after this.

somebody i’ve known all my life

although never especially well.

(just enough to say

“he was a very kind man”

and feel pretty damn sure of it).

at this distance, my life goes on.

I go bike riding with our kids

and marvel at two

magpies in their nest.

It doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten him

his voice will come to me

or his laugh

at the most unexpected moments

and I will stop

and remember that he is not physical anymore

but still loved

by all that ever loved him

and I will know him as

a very kind man

and that’s a good legacy

i think