100 Ways to Say This

Uncle Tone

Words have always made sense to me. 

But not today. 

Now all I see are old snapshots,

Of yesterday.

When you could push me on the swings:

Taught me to fly. 

Instead of now, this awful time. 

Goodbye. 

I promise to only remember the good.

The laughter. 

How you winked and joked at your lowest point.

And after. 

How to hoard gold coins for the car wash.

So much grime.

"Don't slam the doors and keep the TV down!"

Every time.

Our special day will come around again:

Happy Birthday.

You're still my funniest uncle:

Always. 

Thank you for the memories

We'll never me alone. 

I love you and I'll miss you,

Uncle Tone. 

This poem is dedicated to the man who taught me to write and rhyme, how to shift my weight on the swings to go higher, and how to make awful jokes. Thank you for letting me share your birthday, for always supporting and loving me though we share no blood, and for being the best example of a stubborn Aries that I could ever have. You will be sorely missed. I love you.

There once was a man called Tony, 

Who could never be called a phony.

He was genuine and kind, 

And had a great mind,

And was never ever lonely.