That First Year, Without Joe

That First Year, Without Joe

written by: Emalisa Rose

 

He’d carry the red plaided
blanket, inviting the lot of us
to “come sit for storytime” along
with s’mores and some chitter chat.

Jane brought the chips and Aunt
Tina’s paella, never revealing
the secret ingredients.

Dodge ball and fireflies, watching
the stars draw our names on the
sky ceiling; this place we made camp
every year.

But Joe should have been here.

Joe with his blanket, right here,
cancer free, in our annual photo.