This is my eulogy poem about a family member. Names have been changed for privacy's sake. The title is Italian for "always family."
Sempre Famiglia
Dedicated to my uncle
Whenever we drove through
two states to visit, you were the uncle
who looked for ways
to make others happy,
Taking time to talk to my mom
when Grandma made her feel like
a stranger in her childhood home.
Once, riding home from Marc’s, you stuck
on the fake nails from my new manicure set
and had no shame pretending to be my customer.
I remember the way you crunched
into green apples, your hearty chuckle,
stubble rubbing against my cheek when you
embraced me before we drove home.
What would days be like if we hadn’t lost you?
A heart attack from playing basketball
that morning. We arrived too late
to say goodbye.
Would you laugh with my sister,
who you had barely met?
Would you would tickle your new
niece and nephew, discuss my future?
When we drive back home for visits,
friends still say to my mom,
You’re James Lewis'
sister.
Some mornings I crunch into
a tart green apple.
I can find you.
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