Second Time a Charm

second time a charm and a while between visits — i was her out-of-towner grand. sweet Grandma, even the sound of her lovely voice — from Northwestern New York. second time a charm and much careful was I, wanting her to hear. i miss her even in her wheelchair, though i’m glad she’s out of it and sitting at Jesus’ feet. second time a charm, she asks me again — did she forget… i love how’d she’d roll out noodles and bake poppyseed bread and Hungarian coffee cake. second time a charm. i’m like a surgeon holding the apparatus tight. Grandma in her rocking chair, tissues in her sleeve, surrounded by ceramic roosters. second time a charm. this time i don’t break Grandma’s hearing aid! no longer in use when I’d remember the Grandma i’d nearly forgotten — the kind and compassionate soul. second time a charm, she smiles and hears my voice and draws me near. Grandma, widowed with kids still at home a beautician, a factory worker, a greeter at McDonalds, costume and all. second time a charm — the after life fills her arms with all the life she lost and had. Grandma, I cried for you, two hours — unexpected. and i believe she came to me as i closed my eyes; opening them i felt her near. 3/10/2020