In the absence of counsel
I make plaintive my thoughts

I worsen by degrees
on this day in the year
I relive those hours
the tumult and the fear

I guess at the reason
that sped you on course
I ponder the loss
and bitter remorse

So much has gone
and the world has moved on
You, but a memory
in a grown child's song

I see you sometimes
in faces and books
wandering wishes
and double-take looks

Here in my heart
I have it recorded
each smile, each sigh
all carefully sorted

The empty that lingers
is a part of me now
I embrace it, ignore it
as time will allow

The cold winds echo
and the loss is a bother
Still, as always
this day to you, father.


Copyright: Brian Pellerino 2007