Say Uncle

Everyone agrees it came too soon

It was only meant to be an interception

You kept fear of death in the back pocket of your jeans

In the palm of your hand, affection

It came like a sudden gust of wind

Leaving them bewildered to ask how

I recall last time we met, you said we'd meet again

The irony is only bitter now

These days everyone cries, "say uncle"

They want to touch your spirit lest it die

For this your sons and widow gather with us at the table

To form a healing circle for our new demise

These days everyone cries, "say uncle"

I retrieve the memories quickly as I can

Add them to the portrait we all draw in our minds

Your body gone, we shall keep the man

I close my eyes and hope they do not fade

These remnants of a voice and a smile

Images of landscape, cloaked in forest green

Like your life unfolding mile by mile

A fierce embrace, a word of thanks

A cheerful whistle, and hours in a van

Somehow these pieces must bring back the man you were

Though the ocean claims your ashes on the sand

These days everyone cries, "Say uncle"

They want to touch your spirit lest it die

For this your sons and widow gather with us at the table

To form a healing circle for our new demise

These days everyone cries, "say uncle"

I retrieve the memories quickly as I can

Add them to the portrait we all draw in our minds

Your body gone, we shall keep the man