university cafe

i went to that old cafe today
but it was not old from those days before
had been sold for some time i was told
and new lights and shine spoke loudly

it was where you'd like to meet
for anyone who sought you out
for advice and counsel and words to guide
for all who stumbled, got up and walked

never too busy never as much as lesser men
you always had this endless time
never dismissive "i'll let you know ..."
never a procrastinated phone call forgot

how genius generosity and an elder spirit
found home in your authentic self
no one you touched went unmoved about
after you were gone that miserable night

a freakish accident, a stunning blow
for all of us who forget in the now
that something senseless can befall
giants or ants equally erased

no one seemed to mind the new lights
in that place where old smells still lived
now the young faces chattered and talked
for new eras were hiding in the fold of time

the world moves, rotates endlessly hurried
i will remember as many like me must do
each carries memories of your giant spirit
that is all that remains and all that persists...

-reena