Memories of Steve

Hello again laughter

(November 9. 1980)

Sometimes

We spend so much time crying

We don’t recognize laughter.

You made me laugh

Long before I would admit.

I was so busy being miserable

I almost missed your smile.

Thank god I looked

In time to see

Our laughter.

Gently

(March 27, 1980)

With hands so gentle

He caresses me,

His touch is like the softness

Of early morning dew

On my parched and weary body.

It’s hard to believe

A man could possess such gentleness.

I have been loved before 

But never gently.

Old Grey Ghost

Driving through town

I saw an old grey van

Parked by the corner bar.

Circled ‘round the block

To get another look

But this one wasn’t missing

The grillwork on the front

So I drove on home.

Lying in bed 

Late at night

I heard an engine roar

Was it an old grey van

Outside my house?

As the door slammed

I listened for the metallic clank

Of a doorknob falling off

But it never came

SoI turned the radio up

To drive away 

That noisy old grey ghost

Always roaring though my mind 

Reminding me of when

It was parked next to me.

That space stays empty

While the old grey van roars past.

Goodbye

(December 1984)

We’ve said goodbye before

But you never really leave

For you’ve become a part of me

A part of what I am

And all that I might be

A part created

From the best of love

And friendship

Strengthened

Not only by joy

But sorrow

And held close 

With a thousand memories

A part

Never to be forfeited

To a mere word

Goodbye.