if i could have five minutes more
with you
i would tell you about my children
and the things i know you would love most
i would surround you with their giggles and love
and watermelon 
and sparklers
and Skippy on the back porch–
black iron table and chairs
rusted swing set
and a red wagon ride

in the pines

i would tell you, i love you
more than words could ever express
love that spans generations to come
love that i only hope i can pass along one day
to my grandchildren 
and i would ask you to sing to us

in the pines

i would look into your sad eyes
as we would have to say goodbye again
knowing you remain strong 
as i break, from the rememberance of losing you 

in the pines

i would draw in deep-
your last breath — “dry up those tears dream boat” —
your words, the strength i would need to carry you on
when i can’t find me

“in the pines, in the pines
where the sun never shines
and you shiver when the cold wind blows..”