What I Miss The Most… (Writer’s Digest Poem Day Challenge) Prompt: Elegy

“That time don’t wait for nobody”
You often would say
Staring into the unseen
With a reflective gaze

You were a man of strong faith
Always seeking the truth
Sifting though pages to keep learning
Writing and sharing what you knew

You were strong and gentle
At times stern, but always loving
You referred to us kids as “mutts”
We were  all “Gertrude” when your memory was buckling

You played a mean game of checkers
And our tennis matches were so much fun
And, not sure how, but your ham sandwiches
Are still the best in the world, bar none!

I miss your garden and your golf ball collection
I miss your spray painted high top converses
I miss pretend face shaving with closed razors
I miss putting bows in your hair till you looked ridiculous

I miss so many things about you PaPa
I could write on and on about the grandfather I knew
Words of good memories would accrue endlessly
But in my heart, what I miss most is you…

©E.D. Allee
April, 2014

To James: You Will Be Missed…

You’ve been instrumental,
In helping me to change.
Many have tried before,
But I always remained the same.

You helped me open my eyes,
When I didn’t even know they were shut.
Exposing the falsities I’d subscribed to,
As destructive and corrupt.

You showed me there’s a different way,
To live this life I’ve been given.
That existing needn’t be such a struggle,
And I can escape my self-made prison.

You sold me hope with love,
In exchange for surrender.
Convincing me there’s a better way,
Than my adopted misadventures.

You laid out a map of sorts,
Leading to a different life.
And you showed me some tools,
To help me live it right.

You saw things in me,
Things I couldn’t see or understand.
I didn’t even know to look,
For the devil’s contraband.

You’ve touched so many lives,
And I know you’ll touch many more.
I wish you success and blessings,
As you walk through new doors.

You’ll always hold a special place,
Deep within my heart.
A place reserved by God Himself,
One for you He specifically carved.

Know you’ve made an impact,
That you are a strong light in darkness.
I pray you continue your crusade with vigor,
And fulfill your God-assigned purpose…

©E.D. Allee
February, 2014

This is dedicated to a man who helped me change my life through recovery from drugs and alcohol.  I, as an alumni of the treatment program I was in, have been able to revisit his lectures two days a week.  He will be moving on to another position now. He will be missed. 

To Those I Love…

If my demise seems premature,
Know I was at peace with this life.
Mourn my passing a short season.
Let the tears fall, then dry your eyes.

There were many years of struggle,
Mixed with joy and triumphant song.
All led me to God’s loving arms
Know I am there where I belong,

Know I loved you with my heart whole.
Thanks for your part in my journey.
You showed me the meaning of love,
And I hope you felt loved by me.

We are not promised our next breath.
I’m pained by thoughts of leaving you.
But there is a purpose and time,
To all, though the days feel too few.

My heart’s a part of yours always,
Immortalized by memories.
I am not gone, I’ve just moved on.
Remain hopeful we’ll again meet.

©E.D. Allee
January, 2014

Note: this is not meant as a melancholy prelude to suicide… Just mortality acknowledgement. Love and peace to you all!