Green Fleece

In memory of Aaron Havenga (April 2, 1975 ~ November 20, 1994)

One precious memory of Aaron
becomes his favorite fleece jacket
that I still wear 
to welcome 
the coolness of autumn,
the cold of winter,
to recall his warm kindness.

Over forty years since you were born.
Twenty-one years today since you died.
Nineteen years we shared;
as you explored your own world,
pursued your own adventures.
Warmed by your green fleece,
clothed in our covering prayers.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
    
The same dark green fleece
our son Aaron wore when
he skied, biked, and hiked
his adventurous self
through the outdoors
in his late teens.

This green fleece
became mine
when he took
the ultimate trail
into another realm;
the heavenly kingdom.

I wear it to honor his life,
to try to feel a fragment of
the gratitude he now feels,
the glory he now sees,
as I await 
the blessed hope. 

© 2015 Richard Havenga