TWO GRANDMOTHERS

Two grandmothers
So different in some ways,
So alike in other ways,
So admired in all ways..

Grandma M, so stoic, so proud.
Raised seven children
two boys, five girls, alone.
Widowed at 44,
a survivor till 84.
In between years of
hunger, strife, loss of a son.
Sewing from dawn to dusk
clothing the town as well as her kids.
Putting up jars of tomatoes, green beans,
sweet grape jelly, jam.
Sitting at the piano
playing The Missouri Waltz
to make me smile.

Mamaw S., so childlike, so playful.
Raised four children
three boys, one girl
with a stern,
but loving husband of 52 years
who predeceased her
by a dozen.
Hiding feelings of
aloneness with games of canasta.
Putting up jars of tomatoes, green beans,
sweet grape jelly, jam.
Sitting on the front porch
singing hymns of praise
to make me smile.

Karen McClelland
06.19.99