A Conversation: Part 1, by Jillian Law

Hey, it’s okay

Take a deep breath

You’re going to be okay

I know it doesn’t feel like it right now

You’re tired, so tired

But you can’t sleep

The medicine will help with that, I promise

Don’t try to hide the pill under your tongue

That never works

Take another deep breath

You’re so lucky, my love

You are so loved

So valued

Don’t give up on the world now, my dear

It has a few surprises left for you

Make a list of things you love

Start with five (cats, your blue cozy sweater, the smell of rain, dancing to Taylor Swift, the click of high heels when you walk)

Add more, keep adding them

Make it all the way to a hundred

You deserve all those things

One more deep breath, okay?

We got you back into school whenever you’re ready

No rush

I think it will be better this time

Your friends want to see you

They left you a cake with pink icing and (crooked) green letters

That’s a Harry Potter thing, right?

You made me read those, remember?

Oh honey, what can I do?

Remembering, by Anonymous

In memory of Grandma Sweetpea

Flute books with your markings

On the music that you taught.

Scrapbooks full of memories

Can be neither sold nor bought.

Your love for us is ever strong

Your laughter was contagious,

And none of us will soon forget

The joy your spirit gave us.

Daughter, Wife, and Mother

Best known as Grandma Sweetpea,

I’m thankful for the times we’ve shared

And how you’ve loved me deeply.

I’ll miss you when your birthday comes

And you’re not there to call

But on that day your family here

Your life we will recall.

Civility, by Terry Slaughter

Of note,

Civility is a thing unto

itself to be cherished

Like Grandma’s old stories

You will understand, But,

only later.

It must be loved,

Nurtured,

Dressed, washed, fed,

Or it will grow legs and

Walk out

Or wings

And fly away.

It does not need us We need it.

Lest we douse ourselves

in gas And

set ourselves,

And everything around

us, to flame.

Then, only the memory will remain.

Civility….