POEM: For My Father in Law

In honor of my father in law, Dr. Bernard Lytton, David ben Moshe z”l, who passed away this week

It never felt like words connected us. 
They were there sometimes,
but not essential,
almost a distraction or an irritant,
like a small child running
amok in the background
(which there were aplenty)
while we sat quietly
feeling the bond  — 
as simple and pure and deep
as the sea before us
on the Guildford porch
ceaselessly coming and going
with the tide.
As you go now
there is still very still
some wave of you
that wraps me in your large 
kind capable hands
and lets me know
I am safe.  
Come in peace
and go in peace.
You are the sea.