It’s that time of year again
between birthdays
a month apart
mine and yours

mine, I still wait for that
phone call
no matter where you were
who you were with
you’d call to wish your daughter
happy birthday
and I the same for you

I remember our wedding
two dads
one putting me in the car
at home
you taking me out
walking me down the aisle

laughing as you told us about
knocking on doors that morning
for someone who could
tie your tie
it had been so long

we visited your mom that day
wedding party, pictures and all
descending upon extended care
four months later she died

as I sat there beside her
looking into her eyes
whispering in her ear
that she was going to be
a great grandma

a year later we buried you too
in that same suit
a wedding and two funerals
another stranger
tying your tie

I was home with a five month old baby
when Don came home from
work early, 10 am
chain reaction
she called your nephew
he called mom
she called Don

forty six years old
you died that night in your sleep
the same evening I had
called to say hello
but you were out
bingo calling for the seniors

twenty years old
I still took control
made the calls
planned the funeral
picked out your casket
granite headstone
fought with human resources to
help cover the costs

and fourteen years later
finally
I write about it
a wedding and two funerals

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