Tonight was the last night I will ever get the chance to physically see my grandmother.  A week and one day ago, her time here with me came to an end.  A woman, who has been a part of my entire life second to only my own mother.  Saying that I will miss her encompasses only a small part of what I am truly feeling.  The love I’ve been able to receive from her, shaped me into the man I am today.  I have always been thankful that I was blessed to have my mother and my grandmother raise me. 

The poem I am posting was read to her tonight, the first time I’ve ever read her any of my work.  When she first heard I wanted to publish my poems, the joy and pride in her eyes pushed me further to do it.  Any dollar amount I needed, she was more than willing to give to see that dream come to life.  And when she finally held the book in her hands, she kept it on her bed with her, or on her dresser right next to her bed.  When I’d walk into her room, she’d point to it with this smile like a kid that I will always remember.  I wish this wasn’t the first time I read to her, but I am happy that despite that, she was always proud of my work.

Lenore Ivol Parris, I love you dearly.  Until I see you again…

Sunset

The hours have ticked away
Her last minutes have met an end

No more moments can be shared
No more shoulders are left to lend

A full life has ran its course
One that’s filled with a selfless love

One that’s dealt with many trials
But always showed what she’s made of.

The bond that we shared through life
Could’ve been seen from those around

She’d never just let me lie,
She’d pick me up, right off the ground.

Always saw me as a star,
In her eyes I couldn’t do wrong.

Wish to see those eyes again
Staring at me with life so strong.

To hear her voice once again
The one I’ve heard since I could crawl

Hear her tell me once again
“But Kevin, how you get so tall!”

Every time I’d walk those stairs
How you’d great me by your door.

Asking me if I was good,
Then asked again just to make sure.

Always offered all you had
I can’t ever thank you enough

This lost of you in my life
I cannot lie it’s truly tough.

All I have are memories
And a family born of you.

My hope is that we grow strong
Respect your life in all we do.

Mommy Lenore you are gone
Those words will always bring a tear.

But I’ll see you soon again
With that thought this pain, I can bare.