I’ll think of you in a warm summer breeze,

sailing across clouds 

and buzzing in the molecules of a salty air,

eternally swimming in peace.

 

I’ll think of you in the anticipatory silence 

before I make a witty comment 

and in the weight of my every word; 

 

in the blooming hydrangeas 

and the scrambling weeds, 

I’ll remember your never-ending

bending over and tending of gardens 

and wonder what gardens I’ll tend in my life. 

 

At mouthy meals, 

I’ll make silly faces across the table, like you, 

when words couldn’t or wouldn't do;

hear the echo of your echo

in a dog’s bark or a baby’s cry

 

I’ll think of you, hands gripped

on the smooth shape of a rook castling,

and in the castle of family you left behind.

 

I’ll see you in Momo’s gaze,  

in the eyes of her children,

and grandchildren, 

and perhaps in the eyes of my own one day. 

 

Today, I thought of you while I sat in jury duty!

Remembering your legal roles

and your balanced opinions.

Today and every day we celebrate

that our daily lives are forever imbued with your love.