I knew the halls and rooms like my own
But it was a maze I could still get lost in
Always something new to discover
Sometimes when no one was looking
A drawer full of old coins
Or old military buttons or pins
The bottom bunk where I would nap after church
The pantry was magical
Filled with sweet treasures
Always my first stop
The home left an indelible mark on my soul
Like the go-kart tracks on my brother’s back
Strong to a fault with the vulnerability of an open wound
A gentle soul with the willingness to stand firm when necessary
Living a joyful life while empathizing with the hurt of others
A song with a beautiful rhythm and a much-needed message
A leader desperate for someone to walk beside
Fighting desperately for peace without compromising your values
Your perfection makes a mockery of the human condition
Yet you are perfectly human
Love seeps from the body
The soul’s lifeblood escaping
The skin shrivels and curls
Leaving the heart in need of a watering
Arsenio Franklin 