Vitamin Steve

Steve

I’ve never met this man you love, this man whose smile you share

I’ve never heard him tell a joke,

or, drink held high, yell, “Cheers!”

I’ve never seen him hold a room within his charming sway

I’ve never had to hold his hand

while he slipped far away.

I’ve never loved your father, friend. We’ve never even shared

a single meal, a laugh, a mile;

and yet … you’ve made me care.

You’ve spoken long and often of his love, his spark, his reach.

And though a stranger, still I feel

his impact and your grief.

But more than that, in this short time I’ve seen your love unfurled.

With you, I’ve honored his great life;

his impact on this world.

I celebrate him with you now. I’m honored to attend

while you give weight and words and space

to him, like sweet amens.

His life, lived well! His legacy now carries on in those

like you, who choose to live with joy:

His true memorials.