Uncle Pete

I was distracted

While sitting in a café

the other day, I spotted a man

that looked just like you.

I was reminded of your scruffy

look, your jolly smile.

I remember you standing

on the property, leaning slightly

on your emerald Holden ute,

‘My Sharona’ playing on the radio.

Standing in your dusty boots,

your favourite akubra hat.

You were handsome, the coolest

Standing one hand slung on

the pocket or your faded jeans.

Your rock band hair restless

in the breeze.

I remembered, a washed out picture

of us together when I was a child.

You placing me, then guiding me,

on a chestnut horse. I was four, You

were young, solid, and full of Life.

I thought about you and I wondered.

I wondered if these thoughts

would make you tangible, if

you are happy there, if, our memories

would be keeping you alive.