Remembering

Memories in sounds.
Ten year old fingers nervously unscrewing a fuse,
Your key ring clanging to the floor behind me.
The sound of electricity about to rush through my body.

Memories in smells.
Shoe polish, on a Saturday night,
Newspaper spread across the floor of your den.
Getting shoes ready for church.

Memories in touch.
Your hands around mine
Squeezing milk from the cows.
To the rhythm of a steel band.

Reveille sung way too early in the morning.
Old spice and
The stubble of your beard against my cheek.

Good-bye Dad

In a word or turn of phrase
I think, that sounds just like you.
Embarrassed or chagrined as a child
Now, I remind myself of you.
An odd thought, a quick action,
I think that's what you would think, do
Reminding myself of my Dad,
In a way, I have become you.
Saying good-bye I lose a piece of myself
Saying good-bye I hold onto that piece
A peace that keeps you with me