Grandma

Written in honor of my paternal grandmother, may she rest in peace.

A voice on the telephone,

That’s all you were,

And dim memories clouded by

Mom’s prejudice

 

You were sick, I knew that,

And when you died,

I cried.

We buried your ashes with Grandpa’s

In that unmarked grave

 

We gave you yellow roses:

For friendship, your favorite,

And I sang “Amazing Grace”

Because otherwise I wouldn’t have

Been able to stem my tears

 

Aunt Julie gave me your handbag,

The big white one with red leather handles,

And your Arpège perfume,

Which I always like to wear when

Mom’s not around

 

I like to be reminded of you,

No matter what Mom says

About the debt, and the fighting,

And the Cadillac you couldn’t afford

But bought anyway

 

Because without you,

I wouldn’t be me,

Not all of me, anyway,

And though I may not have known you,

I know you had my taste

And love in your heart,

And that’s enough.

Reviews

[K. Louis]

a very sweet commemorative piece!