It was a long drive
To New Haven,
In more ways
Than one,
But we
finally arrived.
Mom and dad were
Helping me get settled
In my dorm room.
Where are the toilets? dad asked.
At the end of the hall, I said.
A short time later he returned.
Well, that's as close as
I will ever get to
Going to Yale, he announced.
We laughed ourselves silly.
Dad was always making jokes like that.
It's sad,
Looking back
On it now,
But that was
The last time
I laughed,
Really laughed,
For an awfully
Long time.
And it may have been
The last time the
Three of us ever
Laughed together
And really meant it.
Everything just got too
Serious after that.
Today I laught a lot.
I hope they can
Hear me from
Where they are now.
I hope they're
Laughing
With me,
Again.
1969-2001
