The Handkerchief
Hanging on tiny pegs deep within the ole’
country store, filled with scents of Autumn.
The replica’s of the past preserved in rust
and weary wood lean against white wash walls.
There in the middle of the vast array of
yesterday’s wears and pickled pears I
looked over to see the wonderful
handkerchief made of white organdy.
I was without protest taken to a place
so long ago within a southern church.
With deacon pews made of hard wood
and curved at the ends where I sat
sitting next to my grandmother.
Her scent of lavender and Jergens
Lotion combined with the seasons
brought in from the open window
Near-by, of trees, and flowers.
The handkerchief was wrapped around
her fingers as they wove into one another.
Her hands laid in her lap of homemade
dress, with tatting and laced collars.
Her thumbs were covered with the lace
handkerchief as she circled them around
and around, (as I watched), never breaking
rhythm the handkerchief would go.
The choruses were sang from ole’ gospel songs,
and the preacher would change his sermon about
one thing or another and the people would often
come and go, but not this constant memory.
The organdy lace handkerchief with painted
flowers and lace on the tips were always
in her hands, covering and keeping timing,
with timeless memory sitting next to Grandma…
© CMM 2011
A. M.
flickering morning fire
quietly throws warmth
across the shadows
no sleep lifts me up
from my warm bed
to sit in the dark
thinking, weighted
yesterdays forge
into serenity
praying in resolution
knowing the day
will be full
Copyright: 2018 CMM
Elders
It was a little church
brick layered from years
creating a shelter
for children to feel safe.
Singing gospels,
‘jesus is calling’
and ‘amazing grace’,
people stand in faith.
Wooden pews curved
into the backs tired
from laboring fields
bent by the plow.
Promises coming from
pulpits of well intending
preachers who draw from
biblical stories.
Stories of trial and
triumphs of ancient
believers who strived
and survived.
Promises raining
from a place called
heaven, a place many
were destined to soon go.
“Sweet hour of Prayer”
they listened and sang
holding on the pews
as the children watched.
Yes, they would leave
to go home to their
Sunday dinner, knowing
“In the sweet by-and-by.”
Copyrighted: 2018 CMM