It’s Memorial Day
Every year your birthday
and Christmas
and Veteran’s Day
were your days
so I picked up my phone and called.
Dutiful daughter,
I knew you expected
the same on this day
and a rebellion took hold
of my heart
I thought
Memorial Day is for the dead
not you— you’re still here
But always, I picked up the phone
I know now that today
was the day the ghosts came
made the battle fresh
let your blood
and I called
but now I wish I had called
with compassion
let the resentment sleep
as now you sleep
for now, Memorial Day is your day
and I long for your voice
It’s finally your day,
and now I long for the privilege
of that call.
Rest Peacefully, Daddy