For Robert M. Wallace Jan 5th 1944 –Aug. 4th 2017
[Thump Bump, Thump Bump, Thump Bump, Thump Bump]
We cross the bridge along the Susquehanna River
As I watch the capitol building dome fade in the rearview mirror
we travel back home from my week spent with you,
a voyage we have made many times before,
An hour in, you turn to me,
[Thump Bump, Thump Bump, Thump Bump,]
“E”, you said with your business meeting smile, “Can I tell you something?”
Unsure of what is to come I settle my nerves by drinking my not quite full, but not quite three-quarters
bottle of Aquafina
I open my mouth to respond, but by then he has already begun,
“Your Aunt and I are extremely
[Thump Bump, Thump Bump]
proud of the young man you are…
And I love you…”
You turn back to the road — silence,
as if what you said shocked me, but I knew
I always knew…
and always will
[Thump Bump…]
[Thump…]
[…]