Michelle Smith

Nana's Heart

Shiny sterling silver

Sparkly and cool to the touch

Inside soft red velvet

A jewelry box reminds me of Nana's Heart.

No music, no jewelry, nor an empty find.

Memories open of childhood past and love,

For our matriarch,

Beautiful teacher, disciplinarian, and kind.

They're stored up like heaven's treasure.

As a little girl, our days spent together

Were collected in a jar as if fireflies,

And our nights glowed like moonbeams.

Imaginary sand flows freely from my hands.

My yesterday is gone in a flash.

All grown up and too old to pretend.

My memories sustain me

and remind me of way back then.

Remember when the world grows cold,

Those crown jewel moments

Will have me captured forever in time.

I Remember When

I lost my way when she wanted to dance. I saw her walk two steps forward and one step back.

I lost my way when I see she was the locomotive train, choo, choo on her 35+ years diligent county of Los Angeles deputy track.

I lost my way when she claimed she couldn't walk anymore because she possessed a work injury that hurt her back.

I lost my way when God's angels freed her from no more suffering, ascended her with their wings

and I realized that she's not coming back.

I lost my way when there would be no more phone calls hearing the words I love you and call me when you get home, no matter how late or early,

especially if I had a suitcase for my next live in assignment to pack.

I lost my way when the corner of my eyes rolled tears on my cheeks and they turned into a water main that did not crack.

I lost my way when the words "on a clear sky you can see forever" did not lack.

Our loss is heavens gain indelible and incredible Queen Mom. We love you to the ends of the earth and carry you in our hearts for you are not very far. 

You are the love and light in the constellation of luminescent stars.