a-p-p-l-e

A-P-P-L-E.

Every time I

hear the word

I hear letters

spoken in her voice,

helping with homework

etching them forever in head

while scribing in pencil

on triple-lined paper

a testament to dedication.

T-E-A-C-H-E-R.

Not by degree

but design.

Her mind an acrobat

in perpetual motion

two moves ahead.

Always absorbing,

setting a model

for two generations

of children she loves.

S-T-R-O-N-G.

Hard to imagine

what it is

to lose an eye

to be near-blind

to face brutality

from a killer within

and return victorious,

smiling, standing fast

to face challenges ahead.

C-A-R-I-N-G.

Her way and life

letting you know

with hugs and cornbread

and fresh clean sheets

Johnny Carson and

Thanksgiving dressing

and songs in a rocking chair

late at night

how safe you are

inside her home

reflecting her love.

L-O-V-E.

N-A-N-A.