It is always such a treat for me when my former theater professor writes a new book of poetry. I was fortunate to do a work study in the theater, and we worked side by side for a couple of semesters. In all that time, he never talked much about his personal life. He was a single dad. Sure, he gushed about his daughters, but not a peep about his love life.
His romantic poetry is so very personal. It almost feels like I shouldn’t be reading it! Like I happened upon his diary and took advantage of the situation!
Still, it’s the poems about his daughters which get to me most. Angelique and Marielle. Just little girls when I met them. Both grown now. Gorgeous dark haired beauties, making their way in the world as successful adults.
Looking Forward to Heaven
Sometimes
people ask me
if I’m looking forward to Heaven.
My reply is always
the same,
namely
that I have already been to
Heaven
every time that I walked down
our road
with you on
your little blue tricycle
on my left
with your little sister in
her little blue stroller
in the center
and
our wonderful family dog
strutting along on our right.
We sang marvelous little songs
as we went on our way,
laughing
smiling
calling out to the world.
Oh yes,
I’ve already been to Heaven
many times, and
it’s as incredibly joyful
as people say.
See why he’s so special?
Everyone should have such a teacher in their lives.
Here’s hoping we all look around and see a little heaven in our own lives today.
Angelo Zuccolo is the author of At Nighttime’s Bedside, New Year’s Laughtears, The Ocean Rose, Forty-Four Poems in Search of a Long Black Dress, and numerous short stories and playscripts.
I hope he is right.
Oh, that is such a lovely poem. Thank you.
I love that poem!
Beautiful!