The Room

We watched the shadows of the setting September sun
Dance along the walls the color of ripened squash
While light played peek-a-boo through fingerprint-laced windows.
We didn’t know it would be the last time we would do this.
Dust orbs nestled in the tiny living room.
Gold curtains gave the furniture a maroon glow.
You had come into town because you needed to see us.
Lavender with a hint of ginger permeated the house.
Your body filled the doorway with ease
(I’m still not able to reach the top shelf without you).
You had your coffee black;
If you want sugar and cream, you want juice.
You held me in your arms as a father would.
We sat in a comfortable silence until the room went dark.
Newly-dead leaves lined the entrance of the front door
As your body would line the front of the church the next week.