I debated whether I wanted to post the poem I wrote for my pop-in-law Mr. Mark. My husband Marcus read it aloud at his memorial last week because I couldn’t get through it without crying. It seemed like a private thing–something just shared between me and the people at his memorial.
But then today, I thought, “What would Mr. Mark want?”
Not hard to guess. He’d want it posted. Mr. Mark would be thrilled that a poem was written about him.
Then, after logging onto Twitter this morning, I discovered that it’s World Poetry Day. Another push from the universe.
So, here it is.
What Do You Say?
What do you say to a man who is so honest he sometimes shocks you?
You say, I like you
What do you say to a man who always makes room for one more at the table?
You say, I admire you
What do you say to a man who sometimes makes you sad or mad or cry?
You say, I forgive you
What do you say to a man who smiles when he sees you, no matter how bad he feels?
You say, I cherish you
What do you say to a man who loves you with all his heart, and he’s got one great big ol’ heart?
You say, I love you…too
What do you say to a man who left you with so many stories, love, and laughter?
You say, I’ll remember you…always
The photo above is one of my favorite photos of Mr. Mark. It’s from last December, on his birthday, and he’s modeling the leg warmers (Kathy Ireland brand!) that Marcus and I gifted him. This is the way I want to remember him: laughing and making us laugh.
You’ll always be the Man of the Hour, Mr. Mark. I love you. I miss you.
Peg Cheng is the author of The Contenders, a middle-grade novel centered on the question, can enemies become friends? She is currently writing another novel that is a re-imagining of the Snow White fairy tale set in 1980s Seattle. Peg is also a writing coach giving help, encouragement, and feedback to writers from all walks of life.
That’s really lovely, Peg, a wonderful tribute. I’m glad you decided to post it, to honor him and all the wonderful memories you have of him that we get to see a little glimpse of, too. Those are some fabulous leg warmers, he sure seems to love them!
Thanks so much for all your kind words, Jeanie! Yeah, he loved his leg warmers. He liked to wear shorts but was always too cold, and also didn’t like wearing tight, knee-high socks. So, when his birthday rolled around last year, my mom-in-law suggested we get him leg warmers and they turned out to be the perfect gift. 🙂
Aw, just beautiful. And I adore this photo. It just truly captures his big, impish spirit!
Thanks, Laila! That photo does capture his “impish spirit.” Great way of putting it. 🙂
Dear Peg,
I didn’t know that Marcus’ father had died. I’m so sorry and I send you my deepest condolences. He must have been a real character! I love that picture of him with his big smile. I’m sure you both will miss him a bunch but you have some cherished memories.
In sympathy,
Mary
Thanks for your condolences and kind words, Mary. I shared your message with Marcus. Mr. Mark WAS a real character–unforgettable. 😉
I love your poem. It’s from the heart. I hope you are doing the best you can.
Thank you, Lewis. I am doing the best I can. Thanks for your support.
Peg, thanks for sharing, it is beautiful and a wonderful reminder to all of us, what keeps and grows relationships, is all the the respectful and gracious behavior.
I love the picture and so glad you shared it, because to see someone with health issues showing so much joy! I am touched and moved that you shared this great poem, it should be out there to read and to remind us.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Kris. You put it well. When I read my poem and think about Mr. Mark, I too am reminded of what keeps and grows relationships. It’s all the little things that we do for each other–a smile here, a laugh there, a gesture of kindness–it’s these small and constant things that embed themselves in our hearts forever.