Crank (Crank 1)

of yellow roses—and my locket.

I ask only one thing. Please pass

it on to your own granddaughter?

“Of course, Grandma. Thank you!”

It felt like wealth around my neck—

a wealth of love.

Celebration Two

My birthday fell on Friday night.

After dinner Mom broke out the cake

and presents—cool velour jeans from

Leigh, matching sweater from Jake,

diamond studs from Mom and Scott.

Hope you like them.

“I love them. Thanks, Mom.”

What wasn’t to like? I went to look

in the mirror. The stones magnified

the pale bathroom light, like my growing

guilt. Mom came in behind me.

I wanted you to have

something special.

I watched her in the mirror.

She reached out, as if to touch me,

withdrew instead. Maybe if she had

followed through, everything that

came after wouldn’t have.

I feel like I’ve lost

you, Kristina. I guess

it had to happen

sometime. It’s as much

my fault as yours.