For My Grandfather

By Addonie Hawkins He was here just yesterday. Just yesterday I touched him, laughed with him, dined with him, slept beside him. Just yesterday I marveled at his aged face, wisen hands, his strength, his longevity, his life. Just yesterday he looked at me through glazed eyes that have seen better days, ancient days, civilized days, modern days. Just yesterday he told me that he loved me. It went without saying, that I loved him too. He is here today. Yet I fear touching him. His laughter, and his appetite for life have flown with the wind. though he sleeps, I cannot lie beside him today, his journey is not my own. Today I weep to him, moan for him, and wish that I could close my eyes and open them from a dream. Today I look at him a wealth of experience and knowledge frozen in time. Today the words "I love you" strangled from my tear-kissed lips a mantra, a song. Today I wish I had told him that I loved him every time he said these words.