Poems for a grandson, by Anne Dunn

November 21, 2005

Dear Brandon,

It's been a month of grief and loss and learning to go on without you; of looking back and even learning to smile again as I recall your charming ways.

Although I know that death is no obstacle to love, I will miss you until I die.

"Death is No Obstacle"

I tried to avoid Mother's death

But it came anyway.

I never let her talk about dying

But she died anyway.

I didn't want her to leave

But she left anyway.

Eagerly I await her return.

She'll be beautiful and strong.

I'll fall into her arms.

Death is no obstacle

To her love for me

Or my love for her.

My wonderful grandson,

Brandon, was like a dream,

A dream that came true,

Then disappeared

Into a warm night.

He died suddenly,

Violently, needlessly and alone.

He'll be there when I cross over.

He'll be beautiful and strong.

I'll fall into his arms.

Death is no obstacle

To his love for me

Or my love for him.

"Tired"

(December 3, 2005)

We went to the cemetery today.

Your mother and I. In the snow

We saw tracks of someone else.

Someone who had come early

To stand over your grave.

Friendly, respectful tracks

That stood to the side

And did not trample your rest.

Why do we call death rest?

You weren't even tired, yet.

You were young and strong.

You were only seventeen.

But I'm tired today, everyday.

Tired of feeling so sad.

Tired of bone-weariness.

Tired of weeping

Over my cereal.

Tired of dreaming

Journeys we never made.

Tired of hating those

Who took your only life.

Tired of looking out

Into a shattered future.

I was supposed to visit your home,

Meet your wife, hold your babies.

You were supposed to carry me

To my grave.

Supposed to come,

Stand over my rest

As I now stand over yours.

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