sometimes i like to just sit and watch....

my dad talk during our visits
so earnest in his messages of the Lord
so eager to be understood
his looks of confusion when he tries to remember
this other world outside of the Bible
i don’t mind that he doesn’t know me
for my love for him will exist regardless
i’m happy to just hear him talk
as i memorize every line on his face
that displays happiness when i’m around…


sometimes i like to just sit and watch…


my man while he is driving
talking and reflecting on life
yet fully aware of his surroundings
comfortable in his body and skin
long slender fingers carefully touching my hand and leg
absent mindedly holding the broken radio in place
while turning corners and changing lanes
in silence we can ride enjoying each other’s company
his mind still thinking, pondering, planning
at times, he catches me watching him
and smiles me knowingly
secure in the feelings that we share…


sometimes I like to just sit and watch…

my youngest niece playing with her toys
walking on unsteady legs
holding out discovered items to me
incomprehensible words so confidently spoken
calling my name in a way that is reminiscent of my childhood
smiling and laughing, even her cries are beautiful to my ears
small arms reaching out to be held
as she trusts everyone that is around her
to care for her and love her
just as much as i do…


sometimes i like to just sit and watch...


my sister in law and oldest niece
converse in three different languages
fluidly without hesitation or pause
understanding between mother and daughter
also existing in an unspoken tongue of love
their bond unbreakable even in times of conflict
so strong, the two of them together
that they don’t even realize
how special their relationship is that they share…


sometimes i like to just sit and watch...


my grandpa moving around the kitchen
attempting to make fresh applesauce
using the same recipe that grandma did
talking his way through every action and ingredient
carefully measuring and precisely preparing
while smackin' his lips in anticipation and peering at me
eyes bright behind thick old-fashioned glasses
happy yet sad, struggling to keep traditions alive
even though they are more alive than he realizes
as the smell of cinnamon fills the air…



sometimes i like to just sit and watch...


my brother move like water
his mind in another ozone
as his body maneuvers from one form to another
the art of kung fu his life his soul and his body
childhood dreams now reside in his reality
so agile and strong, lean and handsome
perceptively spiritual, in tune to my moods and thoughts
my little brother... now father, husband and teacher
i have so much pride in him, it tightens inside my chest…


sometimes i like to just sit and watch...


my mom at the kitchen table
coffee cup sitting to her right
as she flips through the daily newspaper
wearing an old green bathrobe
hair messy but eyes alert
pensive and articulate
the early morning sun shining thru the windows
illuminating the strength in her spirit
as she quietly prepares for her day…


sometimes i like to just sit and watch...


the people around me at the cemetery
bringing flowers to loved ones
carefully arranging their bouquets
sadness and love seeping from their hearts
as i sit on the ground and talk to grandma
pulling up blades of grass to twirl on my finger
the warmth of the sun on my skin
looking at the trees and the sky
avoiding the white stone in front of me
wishing it wasn’t there at all
because that would mean she'd be there instead...


sometimes i like to just sit and watch...


my family revolve around me
in all their forms of being
appreciate the things that they do
as they interact with the world around them
their characteristics are embedded in my heart
touching me all the way to my soul
reassuring me that i am never alone

sometimes i just sit and watch…
and hope that they know how much I love them…