a family at sea
we all thought of you
but none of us could say your name

wine and food
laughter and memories
a celebration of your father
80 years alive, 9 without his daughter
tiptoeing around your absence 
and yet unable to deny 
your bright spirit
guiding us closer, just as always

after, we could all feel you
i held your daughter
and let her cry 
i turned around and held your mother
she said a tearful, simple
“not a day goes by”

losing you still feels sudden
but like the lighthouses you loved
you’re a light we trust
a solid presence that guides us back 
to the family land we will forever share
no matter how far out to sea we go