Inheritance

The check arrived in a big envelope

Sighing the quiet breaths of I love you

For the last time in the dull, darkened light

Of a January day full of rain.

My heart broke like the envelope’s stiff seal

As thoughts of you took my grief by the hand.

We are at the table telling stories,

Laughing, holding our curious small dogs

In our laps, though they want your Christmas

Cookies and a taste of lingering crumbs

For their supper.  There is endless coffee

After endless glasses of wine, countless unsaid things

As I sit in your departed son’s chair,

Sure in your love for me, safe in your care.