I Am Standing Ready

I am standing ready. Your coat I will not wash Until I see your eyes, for it smells like you. I need to take a whiff of it so I can remember. I am standing ready to see you walk into the house, To swing your grandchildren up into the air, To hear your laugh again. To watch you smother your food in ketchup Making my mother, your wife, cringe. I am standing ready to have you smoke in the house. I would not say a word this time, knowing it is only for a bit. I am standing ready To hear you use inappropriate language, and to become irritated when the children pick it up. I am standing ready to see your smile, which is also my smile. I am standing ready to hear your stories from Heaven, to find out what you have been doing for the past nine years, Daddy. I am standing ready, For I miss you so....