The Natural

(Eulogy written for my Aunt Doris Julie Arbus)

they wanted to keep Alan’s death from you

but they must have forgotten

all the places your mind visited

in and out of consciousness

galloping along at warp speed

yes, they must have forgotten

but you never did

you knew all along

as you both winked secret jokes to each other

composed and celebrated songs together,

you knew all along

you always did

they wanted to relish

the modest artistry and charm of your plays

the profound perceptions of your words

your sharp tack awareness

all of the brilliant corners

where those chaplinesque inventions fermented

they wanted to emulate your recipe for joy

the treasures your heart encased

the kindness in your eyes

the vibrancy of your smile

your willingness and brevity to experience curiosity

your humor and acceptance of confusion and disappointment,

your inclusiveness,

they must have forgotten that your Grand Canyon heart accommodated anyone you met

your automatic charisma

beloved and savory as Jerry’s boardwalk ices

that endeared your family and friends

all without you breaking a sweat

and they wanted to take lessons from you

how to volley from the baseline

backhand

forehand

ripping line drive serves

bowling 200s

swimming endless laps

diving headfirst into Florida pools and Rockaway oceans

and they wanted to take lessons from you

how to play stick ball

ice skate at Rockefeller Center

ski down Spruce Peak Stowe, Vermont,

and bike through Julie Bakery streets

Bronx tenement sweltering summers

all without breaking a sweat

yes, you were a natural, Doris,

a 72-year role model for Sam

60 plus for Yankee, Doodle, and Dandy,

and for the rest of us

generations gone and here today,

you have been a natural

wife and mother, sister and sister-in-law,

aunt and niece, cousin and friend,

neighbor and child

so thank you for all the laughter,

for setting the table with the shiniest spoons and forks

for serving the tastiest cookies and leg of lamb

for picking the sweetest fruits

for welcoming everyone and all of us to your house

announced and unannounced

any time of day or night

all year long

all life long

thank you for touching us all!

July 26, 2015

Delray Beach, FL