the butterfly chaser

I missed the butterfly chaser before he passed over
into the otherworld  
the doctors said he died of cancer  
and went peacefully in his sleep  
 
I remember his laughing ways  
that permeated my childhood  
and how when no one else could  
he would put a smile on my grey faded face  
 
Simplicity was the answer  
between the earth and the stars  
staring up at the Southern Cross  
beneath city lights  
hoping we wouldn't miss the glow  
 
When the loneliness seeped  
deep into my bones  
he'd shower me with the unadorned happiness  
of a life fully lived  
and give me hope for fuller days
without fear of retribution  
for simply being me  
 
I missed the butterfly chaser before he passed over
into the otherworld  
the doctors said he died of cancer  
and went peacefully in his sleep  
 
Tonight I looked up at the stars  
and thought of him  
and wondered if there is a heaven  
high up in the stars  
if he's looking down at me  
with his trade mark smile  
silently telling me  
it's all going to be okay
as long as I remember
to smile  
 
© Indie Adams 2012