His Wish, Beside the Grave
He sat beside me as they laid
his brother down beneath the shade—
a man once loved by those he raised,
and even foes, in quieter ways.
The eyes that once taught me to brace
now dulled by time, by softer days.
The mouth that ruled each room with sound
now held its words, more watchful, bound.
He sat beside me, calm and still,
burying more than grief or will—
tucking away what pride won’t say,
holding hope the careful way.
No plea was spoken, none required:
I hope we meet again—
before the light retires.