Ode to an aunt

I tried to decide what you gave me

so I could thank you and be grateful.

Tuna casserole you gave me.

Aloe on my burnt lip when

I hovered too close to the

Steaming hot dish trying to

inhale all its cheesy goodness.

You gave me peanut butter perfume,

sweet lies, and a place of refuge

from the ills of the world.

And I realized you gave me

the gift of laughter.

I never saw you unhappy.

 I’m sure you were sometimes

 but I never saw it.

You gave me warm

embraces, encircling me

with love and acceptance.

Taking my face in your hands

You would tell me how pretty

I was even though I didn’t feel it.

 When you no longer knew my

name your eyes  were still lit with

recognition and delight. You always

had dancing eyes of joy.

I would rather you forget me  

  if it would mean you

also forget the pain of losing

everything. May your eyes only be

 lit with Peace until the end of your days.