questions to answers

regardless of my relationship with that who passed away..

news of death brings with it a respectful solemnity
a reminder that i too shall pass:
all too soon than what is hoped for
or all too late when hastening death's arrival.

then there are deaths that make me sad
usually with a tinge of regret ---
of lost chances, of opportunities not grasped
of choices not made.

ivy called to tell me of itiu's death,
an uncle who was like a second father to us.
he who was
bold in reprimanding us
wise in giving us advise knowing it would not be popular with us
fun in laughing at mistakes made
courageous in taking us to new adventures

he who had been known to fall asleep rather quickly and snored loudly -
itiu who was proud of what we have become, cheering us to continue on.
his death brought grief.

in grief i celebrate his life.