Jr and Kyle

Jr and Kyle




The whole family is here,

And they’re all here for you.

Mom and Dad, dressed in their finest,

They’re not even fighting. Go figure.



Mom spoons pancit and dinuguan for the guests,

Exotic Filipino food that we NEVER ate growing up,

Because we’re Tipoy, mixed,

And though we’re Filipino by culture, we’re American by food.



Dad plays slow, forgotten songs on an out of tune guitar.

His cigarette dangles unremembered from his mouth,

His Bud light can faithfully at hand.

And we all listen, wistful and attentive.



Then we all talk about how we will miss you two,

How we wish you wouldn’t go,

But there are new beginnings after this "party",

And we, your family, will celebrate now... and be sad later.



Angel waits for you by the gate,

Ready to ride shotgun the rest of the way,

While Peter blows the horn three times.

So, now it’s time to go.



And I will hug you two goodbye,

Clasping hands and bringing it in close,

And then I will walk with you to the gate,

But will go no farther.



Because there is no room for me,

And it’s not yet my time.

But I will wait patiently for you on this side,

Until Father also calls me home