A Day Behind the Gates
This was a poem that I wrote for my mom’s first cousin who tragically died of cancer in August. Her daughter asked if I would read poetry and I could not find something I liked, so I wrote this and shared it with the crowd instead.
I got a call from God today.
“Hello, my child. I know you’re not ok.
But I have got good news for you!
A round trip ticket to heaven! It’s true!
No need to pack your bags;
It’s just a day behind the gates.
The flight leaves at nine. You don’t want to be late!”
Faster than you can imagine,
But just how, I can’t explain,
We departed and arrived on this celestial plane.
There was a hello from Peter and announcements from Paul,
“Welcome! Please check in with Gabe.
He’s just down that hall.
You’ll need a wristband, just to your right.
That way you won’t miss your home flight.
Your loved ones you’ll find,
Are waiting for you,
And don’t forget the grand feast is at two.”
I was distracted by those streets of gold,
Then there was a presence behind me! A sight to behold
You stood before me! The one I loved deepest.
The one I lost most recent. A loss that made me weakest.
You looked as beautiful as I remembered.
Lips red and rosy
And in your arms was Cherrio, snuggled and cozy.
Your eyes were green and bright,
And those teeth were pearly white.
Then you were in my arms,
And I touched your skin.
You brought my hands to the places your scars had been.
I took in your scent until it was part of me.
And I would keep it there for all eternity.
“I’m so glad you came. I have so much to show you,
And there’s so much to do.”
You smiled so bright,
Your voice sounded so sweet.
Then you took me by the hand,
And we walked those golden streets.
You showed me your mansion, 100 golden stories high
I couldn’t see the top of it, It was way up in the sky.
And inside the garage, an assortment of red Toyotas, red corvettes,
And wagons for Cherrio, but you weren’t done yet!
In the backyard,
And in the highest apple tree,
A golden playhouse mansion,
Perfect with parties with tea,
Or a superhero hideout, defeating enemies.
We sat under that tree in the warm sun.
We laughed at times past. We’d only just begun.
Then we shared a plate of Kimmie’s fudge,
You could eat all you want, and the scale wouldn’t budge!
You told me gramma Punches had you over
For delicious Sunday lunches.
You told me you’d seen your mom, your dad,
And Greg and Larry too.
But what I wanted to know if you had seen
The One who had made all things new.
“Of course! Who do you think I saw first?
And I felt no more pain, no more of sin’s curse.”
And as my time was almost through,
I put my arms around you.
“I won’t ever be the same.
I don’t understand, I can’t play this game.
What am I supposed to do?
I don’t know how to live without you.”
“You’ll always have me. I’m just in heavenly form.
That’s what grief is; It’s when love transforms.
I tangled my fingers into your corn silk locks.
I wanted to memorize you, and all of our talks.
I wanted to stay, but it was not my time.
But I would return, and it would be sublime.
Either God would call me home,
Or take me up and away!
I’d be coming back and be there to stay!
And I would find you in the backyard,
Under that apple tree.
You’d have a plate of fudge,
And you’d be waiting for me!