Six Relatives

Let me count the names a bond here, a bond there it sounds so cavalier tossed around nonchalantly, just people I once knew Pause while I reflect on a memory or two Their faces appear, all of my kin flickering in my mind, roping me in A smile is seen, its beauty comes back to me With eyes closed, it's true, I can see I dig deeper, take a deep breath They're never lost to me, not even in death Voices now surround me, the barrier now broke Their laughter echoes, words they've spoke Past conversations brought back to life The comfort it brings eases the pain and strife Inhale, exhale again and again I'm drawing them closer, letting them in The scent of peonies wafts right by my nose Circles around me just as the wind blows Just like that I'm transported home A marvelous reminder, I'm never alone Hold still, hold tight, don't let them go I'm imagining a hug, it just goes to show Their embrace will always be longed for Time escaped us and I'll always wish for more Six relatives have lived, six relatives have died Let it all out, I opened my eyes and sighed Their memories stay strong, alive and well Their legacies live on, in my heart they dwell Pause while I reflect on a memory or two This is the impact of these people I once knew My love for them, never cavalier a bond shared, a bond I wear Let me count the names