tactically,
we assumed
she would die young,
like her sister and her son
who lost battles to asthma
but Aunt Jeanette held her
fight to breathe for 81 years
till leukemia attacked.
Her final orders: “You
better go now before
you make me cry!”
De at dVerse poets pub invites us to write quadrilles (44 words) on the theme: GO
a poem in my pocket 
Feb 23, 2021 @ 13:52:08
Sounds like a powerful memory evoked this poem. Thankfully, memories stay, even when loved ones have to go. ❤
Feb 23, 2021 @ 16:43:15
YES! 🙂 Thank you, Tricia.
Feb 23, 2021 @ 08:21:48
She outlived expectations, so even stronger than strong, and wanted gladness and joy as memory rather than the tug of public grief, so much love spoken in this poem.
Feb 23, 2021 @ 16:46:00
She was like a mother to me ❤
Feb 24, 2021 @ 06:27:43
Very special relationship to be treasured.
Feb 23, 2021 @ 03:54:51
Sounds a grand lady. 81 used to seem ancient to me but is begins to get nearer.
Grace be with you all!
Feb 23, 2021 @ 06:32:04
Thank you, David.
Feb 23, 2021 @ 03:46:51
She sounds like a strong and inspirational person. It’s a privilege and a blessing to have such people touch our lives, however much we miss them.
Feb 23, 2021 @ 06:31:38
A privilege and blessing for sure…thank you, Ingrid!
Feb 22, 2021 @ 23:43:10
Lynn, sounds like she was a fighter and that kept her with you a good long time. I sense you have inherited some of toughness. {{Hugs}}
Feb 23, 2021 @ 06:29:31
I hope so, Lisa…thanks for the hugs!
Feb 23, 2021 @ 11:20:19
You’re welcome 🙂
Feb 22, 2021 @ 20:20:20
sorry for your loss, she sounds like a very strong super special lady 🙂
Feb 22, 2021 @ 20:27:17
She’s gone a few years now. and still miss her…thanks, Kate!
Feb 23, 2021 @ 00:12:28
then it’s a lovely tribute Lynn!
Feb 22, 2021 @ 20:12:31
Awww. So endearing. I love this. May we all go so gracefully, and still lovingly bullying those we love most.
Feb 22, 2021 @ 20:33:47
Yes, she was the right combination of tender and tough. Thanks, De 🙂
Feb 22, 2021 @ 20:08:08
A lovely heartwarming piece – and your title puts her bravery into context.
Feb 22, 2021 @ 20:34:17
Thank you, Peter.
Feb 22, 2021 @ 19:45:20
A very touching poem Lynn! She must have been quite a lady! Well done.
Feb 22, 2021 @ 20:39:34
Thanks, Dwight! She certainly was a favorite 🙂
Feb 23, 2021 @ 08:53:33
:>)
Feb 22, 2021 @ 19:28:24
Oh so heartbreaking Lynn 😢 Beautifully told 💕
Feb 22, 2021 @ 19:35:02
Thanks, Christine…she’s the same aunt who told me, “Growing old isn’t for wimps!” Loved her so much…
Feb 22, 2021 @ 19:37:30
I’m sure she was a grand old lady and I’m sorry for your loss. It’s a coincidence I just said yesterday that growing old is not for the faint-hearted. She was right ☺️
Feb 22, 2021 @ 20:40:20
LOVE that, Christine…thanks for sharing!