If could talk to you...

[poeticasylum1]

Grandhattie
its been a long time since you been gone.
I'm still here and holding on.
Went through a divorce and seen a number of storms.
I'm still here and holding on.
My daughter has your eyes,
she bats them and I see you...
No lie.
First time she did it, it scared me.
I wish you was here to prepare me.
Daddy and mama still together
they made it through all the weather.
I'm still here and holding on.
But sometimes Im so alone.
If I could talk to you...

Rico.
It was hard seeing you stretched out in the church.
I remember all the laughs and your smirks.
You took me to my first nudie bar with all the fellas.
Getting smashed all together.
We had many long nights delivering at dominos.
I feel for your mama and daddy so.
It was there I saw you for the last time.
You cashed a check, and ended up in a wreck.
I wished you would have worked that day.
Maybe you would be here to stay.
Boy... If I could talk to you...

Icewater.
You was drug dealer, but a friend.
I was afraid for you, and it caught you in the end.
I wish had said better words to you.
Then lil Raymond would still know you.
I wish I had took up for you more when you got fired.
Yet, the game kept calling and you got tired.
Small checks= no respect in your world.
Ballin was your name, pushing crack cocaine,
wreckless until the end came.
Never saw you in a suit until your funeral service.
I was shaking, heartbroke and nervous.
I just wish I would said the words to change your mind,
but you ran out of time.
If I could talk to you...

Mark
You was my bestfriend's seed.
Too young to die
I was too young to grieve.
I cant even imagine how my homeboy feels.
I saw your little casket..
it was too real.
Now your father and I dont speak,
havent seen him in over six years,
and thats weak.
I remember you showing me your sesame street book
gave me a smile and Im frozen in the look.
I miss your daddy and I miss you.
Lord knows what we gon do.
If I could talk to you...

These trails of tears,
I have had over the years.
I mask the pain in pages of poetry,
there are days it overflows in me.
Im holding on because Its good to be alive.
I take nothing for granted and continue to strive.
I am thankful to God and all that I do.
This I would tell you,
If I could talk to you.

Richard J Wright (2007)