Hey Hank
what were you thinking?
eighty years old
and taking off
by yourself
in that rattletrap
of a plane
nearly as rickety as you
you alte kaker
with your
heart problems
your insomnia
your feet so swollen
you could barely walk
I know you didn't plan it
but I like to think
you saw an exit sign
an off ramp in the sky
and chose to take it
at least the end was quick
but don't imagine
that you and I are done
there's still a lot
of ground to cover
stories to share
and Yiddish songs
we've yet to sing
you go first
I'll be listening
waiting to join in