Uncle Jerry

When I was 

a little 

girl

with

pigtails in my

hair.

I would run 

to you.

I remember

your truck.

The rusty

floorboards.

There was even a

hole.

you could

see

the pavement

while you 

drove.

I loved

you.

You were 

younger

than

my father.

you were

cool

handsome

and reminded

me of 

someone

on tv.

You reminded

me of

Steve McQueen.

except

with

darker

hair.

You would

visit

with

my grandma,

Wanda.

sitting in

her house,

I loved that 

you loved her.

My mom would 

always say

if you feel

unsafe at

any time 

go with 

uncle Jerry.

So I felt

safe.

with you.

You listened

to al the cool

music.

The Rolling Stones.

Years later,

When you called me

your voice

sounded like

my father.

I did not like

that.

I started shaking.

But when I 

heard

your laugh,

I was calmed.

20 plus years

since I have seen

you,

but I remember

you.

As you speak

on the phone

I can see

you with

a cigarette

hanging from

your mouth

with the radio

blasting.

In your car.

We circled

the lake

going toward

Grandma Millers.

As we crossed 

the railroad

tracks

I remember

My Grandma

Mcneely.

She said 

to me

you have the 

best of both

worlds.

You have family

on both sides

of the railroad

tracks.

One will

teach you,

and one 

will love you.

At that

moment

driving with

you as a little

girl,

I felt love

from a man.

I knew you

were not

my father.

But I wanted

you to be.

I remember

putting my

little hand

out for you

to hold.

You did not

notice

at first.

I hit 

you with 

my hand.

You replied,

What Tina?

I said,

Hold my

hand Uncle Jerry.

As you drove

you grabbed my

little hand and

squeezed.

I could

feel

your heart.

Kind and 

lonely,

Just like

me.

Years later

I would

think about

Minnesota.

I would 

think

of Kindness.

I would

and do

think of

you.

My Uncle

Jerry,