Stopped Turning

Tonight the world stopped turning

Like the gears of a clock tower

Stuck with a shudder

And for that moment

I was dancing again with My dear Aunt Stella,

whirling in the air with the music playing loud

and we were laughing in her home

not far from the Ocean where we played in the sand…

Tonight the world stopped turning

and the low, husky voice of my Uncle Al

Three thousand miles away

but clear as a bell

was whispering in my ear

Checking on each member

of our common clan

his pride in his family,

my sons and me

His pride in me

and as he would love to say

“and how’s your lovely bride?”

Tonight the world stopped turning again

I felt the floor give way

as I listened to my sisters voice

three thousand miles away

Tell me the story

of my second father’s passing

My heart stopped

Like the gears of a clock tower

And I shuddered.

Goodnight Uncle Al

we love you!