Long enough to seat twelve.
It was the perfect size for our
Annual family get-together,
Six siblings, six spouses.
But one year, my second
Oldest brother was missing.
A tragic accident had taken his life.
Last year, there were still
Eleven of us, but
Today we're down to
Eight.
Jack's gone, my oldest brother
Is dementia bound in a "home"
And his wife can't bear to come
Alone.
How can I bear to see my
Family dwindling down, one by
One?
Would it be easier to just cancel
Our gathering to avoid the
Pain?
No to that.
It's even more important that
We connect with those of us
Who are left behind,
To remember and laugh,
To remember and weep,
To remember and then live
Each new day to the
Fullest,
Knowing that my chair could
Be the empty one
Next year.