FOR MY GREAT AUNT
EUGENIE HENRIETTE
happy birthday darling
memories of
you looking after me
as a child
your sweet kitchen
your excitement
at my coming to stay with you
drinking strawberry milk
ordered from the milkman
especially for me
eating crusty baguettes
with lashings of butter
eating iced vovos
(we never had these at home)
you telling me stories
your little canary warbling in the doorway
taking me on my first plane ride holiday
and later always a birthday card in the mail with $50
inside
there are so many things for which i can never ever thank you
enough
thank you for loving me so much
you are with me always
What wonderful memories! No wonder they – and she – are so treasured.
ReplyDeleteI love to think that an aunt can play such an important role in the life of a child. It is giving of the heart and moments together that make us feel special and loved.
ReplyDeleteAunts are nice, growing up I had two living less than a country mile away, grandparents too. I settle here on the baguettes, I'd like a hot dog of mine, please. French, with the sausage with yellow mustard inside hollowed out or open faced dressed with the works, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, anchovy, and mustard or a salad dressing.
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Family at its best! Sat a while thinking of my own list, my own memories. Loved this.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. The memories, the delight in the voice, such a treat... Happy Birthday to her!
ReplyDeleteWow. This choked me up. Interesting how much food and smells ground our memory. I would hope my grandsons would feel the way the writer of this poem does about his/her aunt.
ReplyDeleteI hope that in your dotage you will still be able to determine the gender of your grandchildren !
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