When the Summer Winds Come

This was written when a friend of the poet's passed away this past year. A touching tribute, but generic enough (unlike his celebrated "Words Upon the Death of a Friend") that could be read at any funeral. A gentle elegy and eulogy.

When the Summer Winds Come

run ahead, little one.

I shall not be too far behind,
plodding along at my own pace.

facing your absence
with an accustomed grace
because everyone
sooner or later
passes me by
or will see me vanish
sooner or later
around the next corner.

but I still mourn the inevitable.
and will note your absence
when the summer winds come.


William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.