For Colleen

Colleen Zeglen passed away on November 21, 2022. This poem was written in her honor on February 11, 2023 (Mr. Zeglen's birthday). RIP.

It’s a line that’s been used in films

Editorials, too

And rarely credited properly, or justly

But it originated with Nat King Cole

From lyrics by eden ahbez (yes, lower caps he said):

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn,

is just to love and be loved in return.”

My wish now is that I had known you longer than I did

But even if I had

I could not have loved you more.

Your husband and best friend is my surrogate father

My faithful compatriot

Listener, advisor, and fellow cantankerous curmudgeon

Maybe I’ll be called “Grumpy” someday, too.

I am mourning our schemes to surprise him

Our chats over breakfast and crossword puzzles

Holidays shared with your children and grandchildren

We made every minute together count:

Laughter abounded.

You made me feel welcome, like family,

And that will never be forgotten.

I cannot believe that you’re gone!

It’s another injustice in this cruel world

That we are forced to confront

But none will ever stop remembering

The way you made us feel

Each special in our own way

Deservedly so or not

Your welcoming hugs and smiles?

They were never taken for granted

For my life has been blessed

By your resplendent grace and faithful gift

To express love in return.