Father’s Day, 2013

No need to shop ahead, find Father’s Day gifts,
coveted music CDs, fishing lures, appropriate cards.

This year both patriarchal chairs are empty, the
holiday meaningless, a reminder of loss.

There will be no Sunday barbecue celebration,
cold beer or salutary toasts with sparkling wine.

The honored guests for two families are missing,
their places at the head of the table, vacant.

Widows and children eke through difficult days,
learn to adjust, will eternally mourn.