I Remember Alene

I will always remember Alene
for she had the wandering eyes of 
blindness. 
As a child, I would stare at her eyes 
fascinated, and not a little scared. 
Alene was a kind, matter of fact lady.
She always ended her sentences with 
“honey”, as in, “Can you hand me my cane, honey?”
or “Please help me to the counter, honey.”

I could not tell you what color Alene’s eyes were 
for her iris’ were glazed over with an opaque 
sheen, like thin clouds on a hazy day. 
Alene said that she could only see shadows 
and used her red rimmed cane to navigate. 
My mother took her grocery shopping often
and I came along to help. 

Alene dressed plainly, but she always wore 
a bright colored scarf around her dull
brown hair. She may have not looked
attractive on the outside, but inside she
was kind hearted and loving. 

Alene always appreciated everything others
did for her, and always let them know it. 
She was not shy, but rather humble and 
respectful. Alene was just Alene...
 
When I look back to my childhood, I would
not trade one day with Alene for a thousand
days with someone who was beautiful on the
outside, but cold and selfish on the inside. 

Yes, I will always fondly remember Alene. 


Written on 5/2/2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 4:10 PM
She would feel so honored by your tribute to her Laura. Some people touch our lives so profoundly we never forget them. This is beautiful my friend. Congratulations on your deserving win! : ) xxoo
Leiser Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 4:14 PM
Thai do much for commenting, Connie! Alene was a special lady that I shall never forget! :)
Blanca Avatar
May 5, 2018 at 11:24 AM
Laura, how fortunate you are to have known Alene.
Leiser Avatar
May 14, 2018 at 8:53 PM
Thank you, Carlos. She was quite a lady :)
Pandit Avatar
May 3, 2018 at 6:34 AM
This is a touching portrait of Alene--you wrote a heartfelt tribute, Laura.
Leiser Avatar
May 3, 2018 at 12:14 PM
Thank you, Vijay! She was a special lady :)
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