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— Michael J. Fournier, Guest Editor
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Should You Go First

Should you go first and I remain
—To walk the road alone,
I’ll live in memory’s garden, dear,
—With happy days we’ve known.
In Spring I’ll watch for roses red
—When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves call
—I’ll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain
—For battles to be fought,
Each thing you’ve touched along the way
—Will be a hallowed spot.
I’ll hear your voice, I’ll see your smile,
—Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
—Will buoy me on with hope.

— Albert K. Rowswell

 

With the passing of George H.W. Bush, I am reminded that the love of his life, Barbara, died only 8 months ago. I recall an interview she gave, saying her husband was the first boy she ever kissed, and how she loved him more at the time of the interview than when they first married.

Love or hate his politics, the Bushs loved one another and this nation.

Their love story and his recent passing reminded me of a poem, “Should You Go First.”  I found the poem and attached a cartoon. The child you see is their daughter, whom they lost early in their marriage.

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I am reminded that there is more to life than conflict and despair.
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