What if we had days when our loved ones would pop by and visit?
I can imagine my father almost last in line because he was always quiet
He’d smile and raise his hand when Gabriel calls his name
He’d walk tall as he was and turn back at the guy behind him
You’re almost there pal, he’d tell him
And when Gabriel points him to his family, he’d melt and drop a tear
But he always showed us how macho he was so as he draws closer to us
He’ll wipe it quickly with his hand then run to spin us around and throw us to touch the skies
Because we’re all grown and, the roof isn’t the highest place we know anymore
He’ll remember we’re no longer kids, and then pause
I’m waiting in queue with my boys now men
I’ll ask him how to raise them right because he knows how to do it
He’ll tell me my boys would never be here if I wasn’t doing it right
Then he’ll ask them to continue listening to my words
But Kwaru she’s the only one we have known, we will always listen to her
He’ll turn to my sister, her first, her duplicate
He’ll commend her for being
As true as she was when she was in her arms
He’ll appreciate his selfless attitude
Then ask her to try and put herself first for once
And my brother, they’d fist bump and knock shoulders
He’ll tell him he’s never been more proud of him
For taking his place with so much confidence
And protecting the women in the house
Like the gentleman he knew he’d become the first day he held him
My mother; Oh! Her beautiful and courageous woman
The woman she winked at so many times at work
Her beloved; He’ll cry but this time he will not hold it
He’ll hold her in his arms for two minutes or so
He won’t want to let go
Even though he won’t say a word, she will hear him
I miss you but it’s still too early to join me
Keep doing what you do; you’ve raised them well,
Look at them; they carry my name with pride
Gabriel will recall him but he won’t want to let go, he’ll ask for more time
Gabriel will smile and tell him, I wish I could
But I know time will never be enough to be with them
And as he walks back, we’ll watch him fade off to the skies
I’ll wipe my tears and hold my chest
To put him back in my heart where he resides
Nancy Atieno's Notes 