Farewell

Farewell

He was a gentle man.
A fun-loving man.
The twinkle in his eye refused to dim,
Up until the last time I saw him.

He was a strong man.
A determined man.
He fought the tumor with grit,
And for years defied and beat it.

He was a kind man.
A considerate man.
He wanted to see his little girl grow.
He didn’t mean for his wife to live through such sorrow.

He said, “I want Isabel to remember me
As a cardinal, in the yard, taking flight.”          
Glistening in the pale afternoon light,
A single tear ran down his cheek.

He said, “I don’t want an open casket.
I want a service in a small, sacred place,
Then for friends to gather together in a beautiful space,
With lots of champagne and very little quiet.”

He’s gone, but he’ll remain with us forever.
His passion for life envelops us, lifts us.
David was an inspiration to all of us.
His passing aggrieves, but he’d wish for joy to soon take over.

Saffi Darsanac