Back in the forest,
at the house
where we have summers, birthdays,
mourned the loss of family,
taken first steps.
At home,
Sitting on the back porch with Sheila,
listening to the crickets sing
watching the trees sway and shimmy as it rains.
Sheila,
my rock, my heart
Look to her for guidance,
a listening ear,
old wisdom that
only a Black grandmother
can bless you with.
I love Sheila.
she getting older,
and older,
so I want to memorize
hold onto each word she gives to me.
Each lesson, all the laughter,
all the warmth and
love she has given me,
cherish and hold close.