I AM HERE, YOU ARE THERE(for my unka dunk, Fitzroy)

I am here

in some hotel room

in some new city

in some old town

you are there

calling my phone, checking in on me

with our running joke

I forget when it started

remember how it made me laugh?

and how it made your rich baritone quake

how it was the way you showed me your affection

seriously, I believe we both looked forward to those calls

you are there

struggling, trying to make all things possible

clinging desperately to a cross

that was both salvation and weight

I am here

stepping in, supporting you, giving back to the man

who gave to so many

a backbone for the weary, a salve for the defeated

I got the call the other day

the voice of a mother, a sister to you

letting me know how quick and cruel

prayers and interventions end when breath is no more

You are there

wherever it is, looking on

and travelling fully into that

next adventure

I am here

grateful, more because you

have always been there

endlessly encouraging

Now, your work is done

let me know if the Thunder Maker called you the faithful, struggling one

I am certain that when you entered that new blinding sun

you were greeted by the laughter of dreams

Have all those celestial beings

let you in on the joke?

This journey was never about perfection

only about continuing towards that greater light

Travel lightly, my uncle, my brother

You are there

I am here

You are there

And within our hearts, you are here