On The Death My Uncle

A figure short and dark
you melted hearts with your smile
 
Childlike 
You said goodbye to your parents 
Now your children 
in the "solemnest of industries”
grieve and disbelieve
struggling to accept 
your mysterious disappearance 

Within them they will carry you 

While she broods

trying to reconcile
years of frying peppers 
and watching pigeons
with the promise of loneliness
                                
The birds oblivious
no tears to disturb their iridescent coats
roost, take fight, return to their sanctuary
to peck in blessed ignorance about the yard
 
Where once in crimson and lime
the roses of our youth grew the summer long
worm and thorn hidden from our eyes

                                                                                1980