If I could…
If there was a genie, and a wish,
a portal, a god
who didn’t let angels like her
die,
before they were ready
or done,
before they could shower their 13 great grandchildren with love.
If I could
I’d show her the tiny leaf
of the orchid I just found peeking out
from under the rock
where I thought it had died.
I’d make her a cup of coffee
and her favorite snickerdoodle cookie to dip in it.
I’d hold her hands and marvel
at the grace, love and softness
still in them,
after a lifetime of hard work and undeserved heartache.
If I could
I’d put my now white-haired head
next to hers,
and laugh at their likeness.
If I could
I’d share all the things
I know would make her smile.
I’d say all the things
I didn’t know I should have,
before I couldn’t.
If I could.
CRR
1-23-23