To A Boy I Never Knew

This is to Juddy,
A boy I never knew:

A testimony moved me
To write this poem for you.

I never knew who you were,
What you looked like—
Your face, your height,
Your stature.

Maybe that won’t matter much,
For you will always be remembered.

I never knew what you were,
As a friend, a son,
A brother.

Yet, that won’t matter much—
You will always be remembered.

I’ve never met you before;
I never knew you at all.
I never heard your name before,
but you I will remember.

Your family, your friends—
They will all miss you.
They’ll dream no other dream,
But to be with you once more.

…

When one leaves,
There is hope of his return.
And you, oh Juddy,
I pray, I may
See you in Paradise.