Six Notebooks

For Robert Reyerson Becker

1960-1983

In Bismarck, you were 16
Or so, and took me to see “Gus”
The only movie theater in town
And as the placeholder ran 99
Yards to win the game
I stood and cheered
And clapped and cheered
We were about the only people there
In that theater but as
I was also 16 once, later than you,
I am sure you were mortified
Hoping no one you knew was there
But still, you didn’t react
It was just one of the many
Kindnesses
You displayed to me, your nephew

You have been dead
40 years minus 4 days
But your kindness lives
Your smile your laugh
And I hope
Just once in a while
I display the same

PWS 2023.10.05