What I Miss Most

This poem is dedicated to my Uncle Ray.

i miss when you'd get into a fight with your girlfriend
i miss how you'd call mom or dad and say "mind if i come over?"
i miss how 'come over' meant sleep over and that 'sleep over' was indefinite.
that's what i miss.

i miss being too tired and giving in to sleep before you showed up
i miss waking up the following morning - early - because i knew you'd be there.
i miss you giving me a huge hug, boxing my ears - even though it hurt - and giving me a "noogie."
i miss the way you smelled: like paint and turpentine and dust.
that's what i miss.

i miss how you'd change the news to Scooby Doo or Looney Tunes
and ask "what do you want for breakfast?"  it was always cereal or
homemade pancakes, and it was always good. i miss how once breakfast
was ready, you'd watch cartoons with me.
that's what i miss.

i miss the memories that never got to be made.
i missed the chance to say goodbye. but most of all-
i just miss you.