Taylor Lake March 30, 2020

album

words in praise

words in praise

the best of the best

for Rosie and Milt

There will be no more visits to that apartment 

Where the two of them lived so happily 

All those years enjoying being with each other 

Both of them passionate fighters for social justice. 

So sad to speak starting today in the past tense

Using words to keep their memory alive

Though the grief we feel mourning our loss brings a tear

Remembering those two very special people. 

The entire city sheltering in place now 

Something they practiced for years in their old age 

Keeping in contact by phone and email 

Living their lives inside that apartment. 

Finding joy in a glimpse of the natural world

In the tree seen from their bedroom window 

Combined with the way they stayed fierce and true

Standing up against racism and exploitation. 

He encouraged me like a father teaching

How to be a labor organizer leading the struggle 

When I was young and uncompromised

And the Soviet Union still existed.

She became like a mother to me full of praise 

Approving my late in life happy union with a perfect partner 

Known to her all these years as a good person 

Sure our love will be constant like hers with him.

His name never heard on her lips once he died

She referred to Milt instead as Big Daddy

And now she is dead I find myself likewise reluctant 

As her name somehow brings home her departure to me.

Rosie never liked saying goodbye when we parted

Having said goodbye to so many of her generation

And with her passing a cheerful optimist leaves this world

Dearest Rosie who was the best of the best to us.

Wright Park March 30, 2020

album