To A Nephew

So, back in May, we celebrated Gavin's fourth birthday.

I don't remember if I wrote about it or not in here. I wanted to write this poem for him in time for his fourth birthday celebration, but things got a little hectic with having Luke and all. Better late than never--right?!

Sometimes when I look at Joshua, I imagine what Gavin would be doing if he were still living here on this earth. Joshua and Gavin would be very close in age, and I like to believe that they'd be good friends. I like writing poems for Gavin, doing so helps me remember him. This is my third poem for him. Usually I write them from the perspective of his parents, but for this one, I wanted it to be like a letter from his Aunt Ralae. So, this is to Gavin...

Dear Gavin,
If you had turned four this May, I wonder if this is how you'd be today...

With dirt beneath your fingernails, you'd pinch at worms and creeping snails.
With fists full of flowered weeds, you'd use words like "pretty please?".

You'd be surprisingly sweet and tender, when you'd put a fork in the blender.
In the bath you'd splash about, and sometimes-yes-you'd scream and shout.

You'd say things like "I love you so", then down the street on your bike you'd go.
You'd want to help with all the cooking, and eat your boogers when no one was looking.

You'd like to play with trains and cars, and gaze for hours at the stars.
You'd kiss mom and pound fists with dad, you'd want to snuggle when you'd get sad.

With a cape you'd run around and stomp your feet into the ground.
A superhero and a big kid, but you'd always forget to shut the lid.

We'd kiss your face and beg you to stay, if we knew you'd have to go away.

Is this what you'd be like at four?
I'm excited to find out when we see you once more!

Love, Aunt Ralae