If I could, I would.

Just words.

                 If I could, I would.

First words and last words, we cannot forget.

If I could, I would go back in time, spend more time with dear grandmother.

She called me honey, dear and her baby boy. 

She was my safe-haven for 50 years.

I miss her voice, I miss her face and I miss her kind words.

"Remember sweetie, grandma is here for you, if needed."

Grandpa Reyes lived in Detroit and he took care of me and my sister.

Never a great talker and I tried to see him weekly.

He gave everything to me and my sister,

he never complained and his advice was solid and wise.

Good men love and take care of their family.

Please visit me more and if you need anything, just ask.

The Friday phone call at 8 pm on Friday. I called my father weekly.

We would talk and laugh for a hour,

he always had time for me,

we become great friends in my adult days.

I learn, men bleed, men love and men hurt.

I wish for the 8 pm call today.

Me and my baby girl.

she was my teacher of love,

before her,

love was mystery and unknown to my heart.

The first time I held her,

she stole my heart and I would keep her safe till my last breath.

We went to her 3rd grade, father and daughter dance in 2004.

I was working two jobs and today.

One of my blessed days.

If I could I would,

I would slow down time.

I learn too late for my children,

time goes by too fast,

I became a better Grandfather than father.

Now I spend time daily with the grandchildren,

we celebrate the warm days,

we do road trips to the lakes and the parks.

I ensure I spend time with them,

little boys become men.

We must teach them,

love near is what life should be.

I know one day. I will see my mentors and I will thank them for being kind to me.

                       Coyote

Author's Note

Just words.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

NOT JUST WORDS but beautiful and sincere. No flowers, no make-believe but true and exceptional. Been reading your poetry for years, and know that you write honestly about love and courage, fear and isolation.. no rubbish in your words, John Ever. Thank you so very, very much for sharing your memories of such special people.. and the wisdom they passed on.. ..

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Emma. We are made by the teaching of great people.

[andrew mitchell]

If I could I would. True words John on our dear but wise elders of our families the grandparents. Not only kind, generous but a wealth of information and an out pouring of love and attention. To go back would be nice because we appreciate those moments more now. They were times of growing up but that time was not long enough. The best days of my life.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Andrew. The good days and thank you for reading and the comment.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

but even if we can do a little better than before..we have learned from our mistakes...the love, the intention to show it might have been there...we just didn't know how to express it enough.
My parents, grandparents all gone now...but their memories, their advice, still ring in my ears.
and heart.
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

Our mentors. Made us what we are and thank you Jacob for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Mrudula Rani]

Time teaches us about life and love, especially about love. How precious and valuable love is.A beautiful reminder for all of us to cherish love and loved ones. Lovely words, John.

[Coyote Poetry]

Than you Mrudula. I appreciate the comment my friend.

[Mrudula Rani]

It's entirely my pleasure, dear friend.