POEM: Farewell Uncle Mike

In 2009, a friend of mine's uncle passed away. She and I talked for a while about his life.....soon after, I was compelled to write this poem for her (and her family) for the obituary. Take a look.

To Uncle Mike

Catholic rosaries clinched in one hand,

I pray

Then subtly, gently, touch surrounds my other

I look

Down to find yours clinching mine

Innocent fingers which once strummed guitars

And formally became balled fists

Pounding background beats to birthday songs

You were the life of our party

Now

Inner fists fight for life

I pray

Nerves and sinews,

Uncooperative

DNR takes new meaning

                Determined to live, Not Rest

But suddenly,

Your life kept going while my world stopped

Cropped to capture a beautiful human, unforgettable images of you fit my mind-frame

Your life lives in my memories

Somewhere between being backbone and tears

I selfishly want you here

My atmosphere is shaded with questions

And somehow, I am reminded of Brad Paisley’s “no”

That every prayer you pray,

Gets answered, even though,

Sometimes the answer is no

Golden streets and infinite peace is undoubtedly

More appeasing than all the world could offer

So live, Uncle Mike

Live

Live beyond the boundaries of our realm

Stretch your angel wings like the soaring seraphims

Give God all the glory that’s due to Him

Meanwhile,

Dear God,

Please grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference

I love you, Uncle Mike

 Copyright 2010. Tina B Poetry. All rights reserved.