Old Elvin Dropped By

Bony fists against the door up
the stairs then sharing
yarns after taking off shoes
old school politeness. Long time
no see now talkin’ about home
and family grandson James sick again
wife needin’ Jesus in her life cousin
Grant taken his life
thinking he had cancer

hurricane Juan knocked down most
of Elvin’s trees tractor
needs fixin’ great grandson
Jody handling
his insulin problems well.
Elvin’s voice softens when he mentions
his wife hoping their last days
together are to be simple, breakfast
for two at the table eggs his
favourite and sausages not bacon.

Raises an arm time to go
wishing he’d stay longer sharing
his heart retelling tales that
keep him awake in the turmoil of darkness.
And Elvin departs leaving memories
behind feeling better at the telling
of past seasons as echoes.

© Richard L. Provencher