3/18/2026 (c)
Grandma Louise used a cane,
turned sideways around furniture,
around baskets heaped
with air dried sheets
already gathering dust
smelling of lanolin.
Grandma Louise washed her hands
with baking soda and vinegar
below the kitchen window,
pausing to watch Grandpa
mowing hay.
The youngest two girls behind her
shucked corn, shelled peas.
Nothing was thrown out.
Husks refreshed the mattress
five girls shared.
Pea shells slopped the hogs.
When I met her, she was old.
She sat upright in a side chair,
hands in her lap,
turning her face to look at us children
we were useless.
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