10 Years by Ms. Pamela Gabbay

 Note: Today we will begin running each of the poems entered into the poetry contest. They will run in no particular order and we believe you will see, as the judges did, that each is beautiful and special.  Thanks and kudos to each of you who entered. We are already looking forward to our next contest.

10 Years
     by Pamela Gabbay

It has been 10 years
Since you died
Why, I ask
Do I still cry?

10 years without you
Without your smile
Without your touch
Without your hugs
Telling me that everything will be all right

Thanksgiving is here
Christmas will be here soon.
10 years without you at the table
10 years without your potato salad
Your turkey
Your grin
As we all say an off-beat Thanksgiving Prayer.

Off I go to another home this Thanksgiving
It is not your home
It is not Dad’s home
Death took you both from the table.

Off I go to watch
As another family has Thanksgiving.
Another Mom and Dad are at the head of the table
It is her potato salad
Her turkey
Her family’s Thanksgiving Prayer.

I am invited to this home
I am welcome in this home
I am loved in this home

Still, 10 years later, I want what I had.