Poem for Al

Al

Submitted by Kelly Denise Baker

 

Whether it was in his youth

or more recent days,

there was a warmth about him...

there was always a warmth in his eyes.

Some of us have our last memories of him

with him looking back at us

barely having the energy to talk,

but having all the energy in the world

to form a big smile.

I know him to be the one in the family

who I would always seek knowledge from.

He was the one always ready

to take his children/grandchildren fishing,

to share with them his war stories,

to teach them boxing moves

and to educate them about humanity and equality.

He was so set in his ways

due to his years of experience

and sometimes harsh observation.

No one had the ability to shift his firm views and beliefs.

He was always truly devoted to his family,

to his work, to his hobbies, to his religious beliefs

and to his country.

There's a strength about a man who has eyes full of warmth,

loyalty, knowledge, experience, true patriotism

and love.

He wasn't ready to leave us until

he had his wife and youngest daughter at his bedside.

He wasn't ready to go until

his daughter assured him that it was alright

to now go be with his oldest daughter

and only then did his face fill with happiness and relief

with a single tear.

He was never afraid for himself,

he was afraid for our pain...

there's an amazing strength about a man like that.

 

 - Kelly Denise Baker

 

U S Legacies, July 2002