For grandpa

My grandfather recently passed away. I wrote this to help me understand my feelings.


The Long Journey Home

You’re born, the sunrise glints from the waves as life unfurls before you Like an ocean, uncharted and untamed.
Your body’s your ship; your family joins you as your fleet;
Love guides you as your compass.
Through crystal clear waters you sail,
Memories reflecting up from the dancing waves.
Though times may bring rough waters,
And the ships of your family may yet depart,
The beauty of the journey brings joy to your heart.

Then, one day, you come upon another ship,
Bouncing on the waves of life,
And you know that this one must join you.
You abandon your ships, and join together as one.
As the noon approaches, the sun lights your way,
And you can see for miles.
Life is beautiful.
You grow your fleet, first by one, then by more,
Until you have eight shining ships that have joined you.
You teach them and nurture them, set their courses straight,
And share your own love to guide them.
Though you may reach the dark clouds of storms,
And your fleet may wander,
And the waves of waters may threaten to overwhelm and overcome,
You yet chart your path, ride out the hardships, and all will end well.
The glassy waters calm, the fleet of your family returns.


As the sunset begins to glint from the waves,
You feel your compass begin to pull you away.
Though your fleet knows not why, your path alters,
And you begin to sail away.
They may try to follow.
But you wave to them. You tell them of your love.
You allow them their goodbyes.
You travel forth into the mist, a journey through the darkness,
But filled with the vivid reflections of memories,
Until a new sunrise begins, lighting your way on.
For the first time, you can see the shores.
There He stands .
As your soul leaves it’s ship,
Your journey has ended.
He welcomes you home.