An Aubade for Papa

photo by Stephanie Dawn

South Chestermans at sunrise

My love

left me at daybreak
on a Monday,

for the other world,

though wishing he could stay,
peaceful and calm,

flew out the open window,
into heaven,

as I watched 
the curtains sway.

My love left me in springtime,
but his spirit
is never far from me
at break of day.

When I awaken

in the early morning,

I sometimes catch 

a glimpse of him

melting away.

He vanishes

before my eyes

are fully open,

into the trees
in all their springtime bloom.

And every April, now,
I know I'll see him,
smiling
from the corner 
of my room.

My love left me in April,
in the morning.
Peacefully, his spirit
fluttered free.
Forever
and forever,
every springtime,
will he make his way
from Heaven  
back  to me.

I remember his eyes,
so blue and buoyant.
I remember his smile,
smiled just for me.
Forever and forever
and forever,
we two grew
such a loving
family.

He promised

he'd return to watch 

me sleeping,
send an angel

to be there
as I  awake,
promised me
he'll still sit
in Papa's chair,
said all these things
to comfort
my heartache.
.

 I dont open my eyes

too quickly,
in the morning,
and I try to laugh and smile
to ease the pain,

for tomorrow and tomorrow 
and tomorrow,

I know that I will see my love

again.

The funeral was very moving, kids. What a huge, wonderful, loving family this is. Such a legacy George and Bernice created for this world. His kids and grandkids told stories. There was much laughter, there were many tears. Sebastian was being "very good for Papa", though an hour and a half is a long time to sit still for a four year old. He did well.

This was a well loved man. The church was packed, and many had to stand outside and watch the service on tv in the parking lot. 

Wikipedia says an aubade is a morning love song, in strictest form sung  from an open door or window to a sleeping woman. This made me think of George, who died at dawn, now looking in on Bernice these first mornings of his absence.

Yesterday - his burial day - would have been his 66th birthday. Happy Birthday in Heaven, Papa!