A Remembered Fourth of July

You brought my wake-up coffee to me
On the last day of your life.
I took it as perk for being
A dearly loved and treasured wife.
I am sure I kissed you for it
We each had our loving ways.
As you were the early riser
This was routine for our days.

I was off to work to finish
A job that needed to be done
Before our coming vacation;
We had long been planning one.
The three children all were going
To the big loggerodeo.
We'd taken them to the parade
Since they were old enough to go.

Of course you were dressed and ready
Before they opened sleepy eyes.
You took your car on an errand
Perhaps it was a small surprise.
I was the one to get the call
From your friend in consternation.
He tried to break it to me gently
You'd not reached your destination.

He said he'd been riding with you
When you slumped over at the wheel.
I could not comprehend his words,
My whole world began to reel.
And in just that single moment
My life had been quite rearranged.
The meaning of July the Fourth
Would now be forever changed.

It was so you to choose a day
On the calendar marked in red.
I don't need it to remind me
Of the day my tears were shed.
It has been half a long lifetime
And yet with all the years gone by,
We're still sad you had to leave us
On your last Fourth of July.

By: Joyce 6/28/03