Seven Years Ago

[tigriswolf]

For Grandpa: July 7, 1929 – June 25, 1999
Written on June 25, 2006

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Seven years ago today you left forever.
Oh, how I wish I could remember better. 
But my memory is flighty 
And all I have is pictures. 

You look so much like your son,
And how small I was in your lap. 
I can remember that Halloween, your last— 
What a cute hippy you were. 
I remember how frail you were, those final years; 
I was scared to hug you, 
Terrified I’d hurt you— 
It felt like you’d break. 

But I listen to the stories;
You sound like such a fun man. 
And now you’re gone, 
Leaving only a legacy in your children 
And the grandchildren who can remember more. 

I remember that I was there that night,
Playing in the kid’s room. 
I remember that you left quietly 
And I ran out of the house, 
Stood in your front yard, 
And tears poured down my cheeks. 
I remember how I cried. 

Seven years ago today you left forever. 
That was the most I’ve ever wept. 

The pictures tell a story,
And the few memories I possess. 
The words of your children and their spouses 
And my cousins who recall 
Paint a picture I wish I could remember. 
I wish I could remember more. 

I wish I had known you in your better years,
Before all the illnesses and how weak you became. 
I wish I could see in my mind’s eye the strong man you used to be. 
I wish I had a memory of a strong hug, like my daddy gives; 
Instead, I see you in your chair, so small— 
I wish I knew you better. 

Seven years ago today the chance was stolen from me 
As you finally went home. 
You left forever and I wish— 
I wish I could remember the days before.