Skip to main content

Sammy Yatim and his sister, Sarah.

Sarah Yatim, sister of the teenager shot on a Toronto streetcar, read this poem at his funeral on Thursday:

If I only had five more minutes the day you passed away,

I would have time to tell you all the things I needed to say.

I never got to tell you how much you mean to me,

Or that you were the best brother, better than any man could be.

The last time I talked to you, I wish I would have known.

I would have said I love you and kept you on the phone.

If I only had five minutes the night you passed away,

I'd give you one last hug so tight and see your green eyes sparkle.

I'd tell you that I don't think I could live without you, not even for a while.

I'd kiss your cheek, and watch you smile, and tell you it's okay to go,

And tell you that I'll miss you more than you'll ever know.

But you were gone so quickly.

One last bus ride you take.

Before you even knew it,

You were standing at heaven's gate

Now god has called upon you.

It's time to get your wings

To leave this life behind you

And enjoy all heaven's beautiful things.

So wait for me Sammy.

Don't let me come alone.

The day the angels come for me,

Please be there to bring me home.

Interact with The Globe