How Could I Not Remember

I remember you holding me in your arms Rocking me gently while singing lullabies I remember when you lived a short walk away Relatives were local and get-togethers were the norm I remember your amazing purple mohair sweater You knit exquisitely and wore so gracefully I remember your scented creams and signature ring I never grew tired of holding your hand And telling you how much I loved you I remember watching in awe your bedtime routine As you meticulously undid your braided coif Dropping your soft wavy hair to your waist I remember you never missed Sunday mass And held on to that glow throughout the week You knew about plants with their healing powers Neighbors came to you for answers and advice I remember how you would scrape savings for travel Always working in visits to friends who had moved away I remember the aroma of the pies you baked After tireless hours of quilting, sewing, weaving Embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and whatever else I remember there was nothing you couldn’t do You started tutoring me when I was three And probably earlier as I was eager to learn It was my favorite form of play I remember hearing your schoolhouse stories I’d picture a little house in a field and your teacher attire Your turn-of-the-century class full of kids Then I’d let you continue teaching me to read, write and count Though I wasn’t yet of school age I remember being uprooted and moving to the country Leaving city life and you behind I remember how good life was when I had you To turn to for support and guidance Or just for your warm bountiful embrace I remember getting that gut wrenching feeling That bitter call in the middle of the day As I was told the crushing news I would never again see, touch or hold you How can I not remember The inconsolable devastation that never dimmed Published in my 24-page photo/anthology ~ALWAYS WITH ME~ 2020 AP: 1st place 2020 Submitted on September 26, 2017 for contest LOVE FOR MOVIE SCREEN sponsored by SILENT ONE - RANKED 2ND