54

Fifty-four. 

No ordinary number anymore. 54. 

Your significance never mattered until it did.

I feared it was his last when he blew out the candles. 

My one regret not witnessing you usher it in. 

We made a video instead for keepsake. 

Momma made us laugh

Daddy too.

We hoped for much more.

Got a little bit…

Still ended at 54.

Time waits for no one. 

Took Momma next. 

Not much later, 

In his sleep, 

Daddy took his last breath.

Two whole brothers,

Neither remains,

The two of them three years apart,

The younger had a thing for numbers and birthdays

He prayed to see 5/15

Damn 21 crept in, just as it did before

When it took the older on December 21st 

At the age of 54. 

Damn 54,

We almost had you beat 

Finish line within reach

21 days before 55

But you did it again

leaving us wanting for more…

took my last, whole

remaining siblings no more.

Now just me.

Mind wonders, but not too much 

In just over 3 years 

When I’m 54

Will you remain no ordinary number?

Or will you restore, Fifty-four?

54. 

Your significance never mattered too much 

Until it did.