Remembering

Your laughter, your gifts

Your laughter still echoes within my heart
even as I search my memory
for your voice.

         A face smooth as silk
                   A demeanor just as soft

You left such big shoes to fill,
though, your tiny feet fit them fine.

A woman of strength at a time
most feigned weakness.

A tough woman with feminine flair,
you stood strong when others caved.

         You fought hard
                   You fought long

Independent when society
expected dependency.

You taught your daughters
to hold their heads high

To fight through life's woes,
to pray through the good times
and bad.

         A soul yearning for acceptance
                   Yearning to be understood

Through you, I learned forgiveness,
how to be witty and make a stand.

I lost you just as I was
getting to know you.

But I'll always treasure
the gifts you unselfishly shared.

Especially, the ones you didn't
even realize you gave.


(30 lines)