To Father, R. Joseph Rodriguez

            after the ICU

after the velorio

after the rosary

after the mass

after the burial

at the camposanto

you wave adiós

you rise as a traveler

onto the next world now

seeking more tranquility

 and refills for your coldest

     most favored brews

    and aged brandies

R. Joseph Rodríguez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is the author of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. His most recent book project is titled This Is Our Summons Now, a poetry collection. Joseph is coeditor of English Journal. He lives in Austin, Texas. Follow him @escribescribe.