Thank You, Goodbye
For Jay
A life long staunch Republican,
A dutiful carpenter by trade.
Only known you one year plus some
while I fell for your son everyday.
Bet you recognized the obvious irony
when he fell for a black person like your grandma did.
Bet you roll your eyes when you remember,
that I made him vote for Biden last November.
A strong sailor back in the Navy,
the strongest soldier in this difficult journey.
Thought he’d have you for just a bit longer,
Thought we’d have time for one more banter.
Taken too soon at the start of November,
just a few weeks after you turned one year older.
So on this dark and solemn day,
There’s a few final words I’d like to say-
Thank you for the grace you lent me with quiet affection,
and for the courage you showed
while they were going through the motions.
Such wonderful stories I heard about how
you were the greatest, hard working dad.
And the devoted love you showed to Angela,
the beautiful woman for who you took a vow.
I’ll love your son with every heartstring I can gather
I’ll honor your memory when he’s hurting for his father.
Might not have known much about you as a man,
But I know you cared dearly for those who really mattered.
Now as your ashes are painfully laid,
I raise a toast to the meaningful life you had since ‘58.
And in honor of us both going our different ways,
Well,
This very last one is for you, Jay.
October 10,1958 - November 2, 2021
This November, please consider donating towards pancreatic cancer research
