ODE TO A GIANT STINKER

Two more weeks,

and it will be time to say

our good-byes

again.

This time

there is this dull, empty ache

that says this one’s for real

Twice before I knew or felt

you’d be back

with your laugh and smile in tow

Not now, for the time has come

and you’re ready to go and

grab your place among

the hopefuls at the starting line.

I’ll miss the

grand ideas and youthful

thoughts inside that giant frame

I’ll miss the insights

and the ways you’ve shown

others how they matter

I’ll miss the volume

and the humor and banter

I’ll even miss the mess

Mostly, I’m gonna miss you

hanging around, always being “down”

for whatever might come along

and bring some light.