Twenty

My father passed away when I was two years old; both my grandma and my aunt passed when I was sixteen.

Sometimes, when I find myself staring at the stars,

I wonder if you’re among them,

staring down at me,

watching me as I’ve grown up,

Tomorrow is my twentieth birthday,

that marks eighteen years,

without my father.

That marks four years,

without my grandmother.

That marks four years,

without my Aunt Sarah.

Birthdays, Christmases,

my graduation, my first few years of college,

all missed.

More birthdays,

more holidays,

more graduations,

my wedding,

the birth of my children,

will be missed.

But nothing can compare to,

how much I miss you.

I can only hope that in,

my time with you,

and my time without you,

that I have made you proud to be my,

father,

grandmother,

aunt.

Author's Note

I wrote this somewhat quickly without any editing, but any feedback would be appreciated!

Reviews

[An owl on the moon]

There is such a depth to your words... your experience... the longing.. the loss... You show us that we are all connected to precious ones in our lives.. some we have much time with... and others far too little. Beautifully bittersweet.

[Patient Poet (Yos)]

No need for editing . this is so sad and beautiful at the same time

[Ben Willis]

I notice the repetition to emphasise the pain of each passing. Quite moving really. I'm sorry to hear your losses. You are a great writer.

[kelsie newman]

that means a lot, thank you!

[Kelsey]

I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your loved ones. Your writing is lovely.

[kelsie newman]

thank you so much!