Above All Else : funeral poetry

Above All Else

When you hear a sad song

do not think of me

don’t let a sunset,

be all that you see.

You may consider my stubbornness,

perhaps, we may have even butted heads.

Alas, bear in mind it wasn’t my fault

for being half Keppler and Bockenstedt.

You can see me graduate

from mud pie and easy bakes

to my masterful technique

with scrumptious cookies and cake.

You may chance to glimpse me in a smile

or in laughter that resonates the air

and when you see a swimsuit

riding up some child’s derriere.

Of course, you’ll flip through

Some high fashion magazine one day ,

“And, wow!” That beautiful model

looks just like Ande you‘ll say!”

And if you chance a glance of

Kelsey and I with our Barbies, it’s o.k.

It’s alright to bring to mind

how we loved to play.

And I’ll still be with Nick and Ryan

as they ride the school bus,

and with Haylie as she stands

at the bathroom mirror to fuss.

And even now I’m beside you Travis

when you wish to take my hand.

While I can only leave my memory-

Mom and Dad please understand

that I’ll be right alongside you in the morning

to wrap you in my warmest sunlight

and I’ll cover my arms around you

as you slumber through these heavy nights.

Know, that I am in Heaven walking the cat walk

on a runway of velvet clouds

with the stars as my spotlight

and Angels rejoicing in the crowd.

I will miss all of you, and keep faith to me

In all that I given you while I stayed-

Amusement, smiles, imagination, affection

and above all else… Love

the “Ande pandi ,sweet as candy” way!

Written for Andrea Bockenstedt

by Aunt Sherrie