Memorial Day

In memory of Dove Bars, home fries, and BBQ chicken
cooked on a backyard grill.

In memory of sweet iced tea with crisp slices of lemon
all the ice glittering in a red cooler.

In memory of volley ball, hide and seek, and Frisbee with a
thieving dog named Buster who delights in a good chase.

In memory of afternoon walks, Queen Anne's Lace, a
heavy toddler sleep drunk on my shoulder.

In memory of the photos of my family jumble
framed hanging along the back hallway.

In memory of that long hallway and the bang of the
screen door as I leave and leave.