Standing in their absence

I stand in place of those who have passed on

I breathe their breath...smell of their scent

when lathering my spirit with bits of their goodness

I graciously accept the baton...the weight 

the load...the burden so to speak

for they wouldn't have passed it my way

if I couldn't carry it to the next generation

I stand in place, like a soldier at attention

I see through their eyes...born into me 

when establishing my home with pillars of love

I fiercely guard it like a gate-keeper of ancient times

contemporary times...anytime there is pending danger

for strangers find out quickly

how close they can approach the threshold

I stand in place of those who cared for me

prepared for me long before they knew of me

I stand in place of those who on their knees 

became foot stools for me to stand taller

I stand in place of those who have passed on

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman