Poem: Poetry Night
Poetry Night
For Jim
You’d come in with your
button-up shirt and tie, American flag pin,
beaming smile, and oversized suit jacket.
I imagined your small frame
must have been a little bigger at some point,
but I doubt your spirit had ever been larger.
Your poems were beacons,
showing hope, sharing in sadness,
and offering compassion and understanding.
Your encouragement was a constant friend.
You never worried how well it was received,
you’d provide it again next time.
Until even an unsure poet like me
started to believe you.
Until a guarded person like me
let your light shine in.
Until we were friends.
I didn’t realize until you were gone
how you were like this with everyone.
How you were a light everywhere you went.
Without fail.
I hope I learned enough from you
to be a similar light in the world,
so it doesn’t grow too dim
in your absence.
In this way, I’ll remember you.
