Sylvia

 

Doors closed today darkness descends

 

Another link with family chains

Of affinity and a past with no ends

 

I remember your eyes no pretence

 

Our father’s brothers

 

Surviving active war service

Your father died too young

Disease ridden housing

TB a virulent strain

In homes for heroes

My father remained

Grieving in his silence

 

Listening now

Part’s The Angels

While others sleep

In darkness I weep

 

 

It was that familiarity

When we met

Immediate recognition

Unmistakeable connections

 

I watched you laugh

In Catford Dogs

The days in the village

During summer breaks

You loved my dad

In the absence of your father

Both of you laughing

A shared understanding

 

You shared his eyes

The brilliance of smiles

Before laughter came through

 

I was not told of your leaving

A break in itself

 

No vigil

No wake

No gathering

Just afterwards

I knew your eyes were mine too

 

A recognition

Unspoken.