Uniquely Uncle Pete Poem by Walterrean Salley

A place is vacant in our hearts
The one you use to fill.
Your voice is silent ‘mongst us;
But Pete, we love you still.

You were there when needed
To do what could be done.
Simple chores meant so much—
The errands you would run.

You baby-sit us youngins,
And played with neighbors kids.
Tho’ naïve it might seem,
Such simple things you did…

Mowed the lawn. Chopped wood.
And kindled fires on winter days,
Just so we’d be warm.
Things we couldn’t repay.

Your doing without so we’d have,
Was nothing less than sacrifice.
Always you would lend a hand—
Never even thinking twice.

You brightened the neighborhood.
Everyone called on you
To do the simple tasks
That no one cared to do.

And whatever you could do
To help along the way,
You did it with a heart of love—
Not for hire, nor pay.

Thanks for all the laughter,
And the joy you gave—
Leaving happy memories
To cherish for always.

And as we pause in mourning
This late summer day,
Your memories remain
In a very special way.