Gifts

for Aunt Doris

 

I remember your unphased humor

when you found out

that your niece is now your nephew

and your only concern

was that you weren’t sure

how you would pronounce his new name

but that’s okay

you can call me Crow

because you were the one

who taught me to love birds

before I even met you.

 

Every year

I’ve looked forward to your gifts

even the ones

that don’t make sense

(which, honestly, are sometimes

the best ones of all)

because even in the fog

of growing old

you never forgot us

and I tried my hardest

to remember you, too,

but I remember the year

I forgot to write you

a thank you card

so you donated my birthday gift

to the Wildlife Federation

(or some such organization)

and I

was so excited

about those stickers they sent

that I wrote you a thank you card

for not buying me a gift.

 

I know

I’m not always the best

at remembering

but I’ll always keep

that polished stone box

with the dove on top

To remind me

of your gifts.

Reviews

[Emily B]

it was a pleasure to find you here, nestled in among the many words, your voice is pleasant and clear and honest, and i really look forward to reading more of you

the hawk is my guide, haven't seen him in a week or two though