A Poem for Uncle Petey

Below is a poem that Petey wrote about his uncle, who died Saturday after battling ALS. Even though there are allusions to family connections - karate kid, movies, Stephen Segal - it's easy to follow. One more note - Uncle Petey was the president of the regional CWA for twenty years or so - hence the 'union' references.

Uncle Petey

I remember that grin
Even when the disease loomed
I knew how it must have grown heavy
But his strength was there
I could see it

I regret not seeing enough of a union man
That a President recognized
And a family grew with
Who dressed up like Dumbledor
And quoted Steven Segal
That danced at a daughters wedding
And honored his beliefs

He is a passed titan
Who is still alive through warm hearts that mourn
That celebrate a man still immortal
Telling stories to us in our minds campfire

Petey was the true American dream man
Hit by something deadly
But never stopped swinging

I'm not a religious man
But I know he would say a prayer now
He would be strong with his big heart
And he still is as we know

So Uncle Petey, I know you're listening
And your still grinning in your Dumbledor hat
Saying "Sweep the leg Johnny"
And watching all the best action movies
Starting a union in the afterlife