She was a dignified, graceful lady
with flowing long white hair
my parents visited her begrudgingly
and she had knick-knacks everywhere

She had two friendly, fluffy white cats
a black slinky one and a calico
and she treated the cats like company
and us like her loyal subjects

I wasn’t allowed to touch or play with anything
but she would hug me and check behind my ears
and she had the best cookies and warmish milk
and her eyes would always glisten happy tears

I didn’t see her much but I loved her like I should
always mentioning her in my bedtime prayers
and the last time we visited my father found her there
lying dead at the bottom of the stairs

© 2007 by Paison de Moot