For Nanny

As I think of her
                      she is sitting in my garden of thoughts
though I know it is gone

She is wearing shorts
                             although she never did
surrounded by roses
                           our roses
my garden, "our" world

The shed out back is where memories are stored
the false teeth
the early days
the "hand" I never knew
the strength
frustration
and beauty
the housedresses
the angel food cake
the chenile bedspread
the metal garden chairs
the applesauce

You are there

Come out and be with me

I am sorry I am late
                           too late for words
                                                   but I love you

Come and lay on my bed
                                 let me look at you
                                                          and read the lines on your face

Open your eyes and speak a thousand words

I love you

let me touch your skin

I love you

let me tell you
                    please hear me

Come out and be my friend

                                     only you would understand.