Missing the lost is not productive,
but it is helpful. And perhaps,
the remembering is a sort of homage,
a nod to say "I know you -
I know you were here."
Like a small brass plaque
placed where a great tree once grew.
I will tell my children
"She liked to speak Norwegian,
she adorned her own blue cupboards,
she had fair hair and she taught me
how to fry crisp, hot cookies -
in lard, and she traveled the world."
I will tell them she saved
everything, wasted nothing, because
(as my own mother once explained to me)
she remembered the feeling of not quite
having enough. Maybe I will mention
her stubborn self-sufficience;
surely I will speak of generosity,
and how she fiercely loved her family.
Missing the lost is not productive,
but maybe it is helpful; a little
yearning lessened, small sadnesses
exhaled. These are the things
I will remember,about you.
I am here to tell my children
where great trees once grew.
I know you. You were here.
Top photo courtesy of LorinSweers Photography
So beautiful and thoughtful, you talented girl.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written about Dorothy.
ReplyDeleteThank you. She was very dear to me.
ReplyDelete