To my grandpa, Gene Wagstaff, when he died

I’d like to bring Delphinium, blue Larkspur, to your grave

And Canterbury Bells, Snowballs all in bloom and Bridal Wreath

Fat Peonies and great Roses in profusion

In all the colors that they come

Dianthus and Sweet William.

And most of all, great loads of Lilacs in abundance

Of their fragrance.

I’d bring no purchased flowers

Just those you nurtured and made grow,

And all the children, kin or friend,

Who claimed you theirs

To play the willow whistles that you carved

And to smile the thousand smiles that you caused.

Last of all, I would have

Your Julia come, young and fair

With white Phlox and Columbine

Garlanding her long dark hair

And I’d hope that you could see from where you are

All your gardens

And all our love.

Then this last and short farewell

Would be as glad as death can bear

A little of the jubilee

We’ll have when all of us come there.

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