RUSTY

My brother-in-law passed away several years ago on 29 October.  I wrote this poem for my wife and the rest of his family.

They met somewhat late in life
She no husband, he no wife
Neither one that lost or lonely
Neither one the one and only
His friends said here’s your chance
Get on out and join the dance
There’s no telling what you’ll find
When you open up your mind

He said “Say a prayer for me”
They said – go on seize the day
See how happy you can be
And his spirits soared away

Their romance was slow at start
But their love grew deep at heart
Each one learning more to care
They made such a perfect pair
A backyard wedding came their way
On some say that year’s hottest day
But their love was plain to see
They were somehow meant to be

He said “Say a prayer for me”
She knelt by his side to pray
Whispered “Oh how I love you”
And their spirits soared that day

But then one day he said “Dear
I feel weak - please hold me near
I don’t know what it’s about
But I know we’ll work this out”
Oh the years were way too short
Came the doctor’s last report
“Go and stay close by his side,
He is on his final ride”

And then standing by his bed
With no tears left to be shed
The kids now gathered round
Showing all the love he’d found
They all said their last good byes
As they wiped their crying eyes
She said, “Dear what can I do
To help you make it through?”

He said “Say a prayer for me”
She knelt by his side to pray
Whispered “Oh how I love you”
As his spirit slipped away

Mdailey   12/23/07