Going to Yale

It was a long drive

To New Haven,

In more ways

Than one,

But we

finally arrived.

Mom and dad were

Helping me get settled

In my dorm room.

Where are the toilets? dad asked.

At the end of the hall, I said.

A short time later he returned.

Well, that's as close as

I will ever get to

Going to Yale, he announced.

We laughed ourselves silly.

Dad was always making jokes like that.

It's sad,

Looking back

On it now,

But that was

The last time

I laughed,

Really laughed,

For an awfully

Long time.

And it may have been

The last time the

Three of us ever

Laughed together

And really meant it.

Everything just got too

Serious after that.

Today I laught a lot.

I hope they can

Hear me from

Where they are now.

I hope they're

Laughing

With me,

Again.

1969-2001