SMALL TOKENS
Memories of students and faculty at Misericordia University

Compiled by Jennifer Black

 

 

We didn’t know you would leave so suddenly. 
It felt like a dream when I heard the news.
When I think of you I remember your booming voice,
Your deep laugh that came from the gut, echoing down the hall.
You taught us how to love books.
Wearing your heart on your sleeve,
You advocated for humanity, reason, Mother Earth,
And Bernie.
Sometimes you irritated me, I’ll admit;
But of course it’s bad taste to say that now.
I wish I could have known you better.
Thank you for reading my work;
Your generosity amazed me, at times.
I remember the time you translated Russian for me,
Even though Russian isn’t your “best translating language.”
Your humility made me smile;
That is my favorite memory.
We feel the loss like an open wound.
Perhaps it would make you feel loved to know that
The day the news broke we left small tokens and tributes at your door
Like a roadside memorial you pass on the highway.
Perhaps it would make you feel troubled inside.
Perhaps you would say we should remember our own humanity--
The fragility of human life--
Seize the day,
You might say.
What’s left? I’m not sure. I only know that I wish I’d had the chance to say
Goodbye.

 

 

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