Uncle Bluejean

He died last night
at almost eleven o'clock.
After years lived in pain
his suffering's finally stopped.

But I choose to remember him
as he was in my youth
a tall, craggy man
more than a little uncouth.

Amongst Daddy's brothers
he was a favorite of mine;
quick of wit and filled with humor
yet cynical by design.

Tall and lean and angular
all arms and legs he was
with a grin full of mischief
and eyes filled with love

Encouraged by his boldness
I'd find trouble to get in
and 'cause of the words he taught me
Momma busted my rear end.

I'll never have another
uncle quite like Bluejean
now I take away these memories
of all that he had been.

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