"NO GREATER LOVE"

O' how I love thee
Since 4 weeks old, - to adulthood
You raise me
Even tho' I knew not, - and could not perceive
My head rested upon your chest, listening to your heart beat
even tho' I was your grandson,
When you looked at me, - I looked just like your son
I'm sure the resounding thump of your heart
And the comforting sound of your voice
Gave me as a baby, - no choice
To be still, when I wanted to fidget
To go to sleep when I wanted to stay awake
To stifle my cry, and not let a tear drop from my eye
You and your husband had my back, like no other
Even more than my father and my mother
I truly do miss the both of you
It's tears in my eyes as I write this poem about you,
Life on earth without you has been extremely hard,
but I do find joy in knowing the fact,
that I will see you again, in the Kingdom of GOD
No pain, sickness, sadness, hunger, punishment or chastising
Only joy, wellness, happiness, peace, love and life ever-lasting
The beautiful memories of you are to many to count
But there's one that resonates with me, - that stands out
As I drove up, turned off the engine and lights,
You were looking out of the window,
And pacing the floor that night

I asked you: "Why were you still up and not asleep"?
You said: "I can't sleep when you're out in the street".
I gave you a hug and a kiss and said: "I'm home now"
You said: "I can go to sleep now"
I didn't realize your fear because I was an adolescent kid,
Now that I'm a man, I know that you were worried,
that I would get killed in the streets, as my father did
our family, you were the glue and the backbone
In Wisconsin, I'm abandoned and all alone
So called family are now total strangers
They have no care or concern if I'm in danger
If I left this blue marble tomorrow
There would be no sorrow
Your love has fortified and still strengthens me
If the universe was my scroll
And all the oceans was my ink
I still couldn't write or express
The depth of how much I love thee
After you left, I got a tattoo on my left arm
that says I [heart] MD [MA'DEAR]
Out of all the poem I've wrote, - this one means the most
It was suggested and inspired by my pal of the pen, [black widow]
And if you met her, I know you'll like my friend
it feels real when I talk to you in my dreams
I think of you everyday it seems,
Your knowledge, compassion, council, guidance and tender love
I know that you and Granddad are praying for me
And smiling down at me, - from up above
To the both of y'all - There is not greater love

Your Grandson, LATEE