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Ode to Aunt Jo 

Wonder how life would be now 

If you were still around 

You always said to follow your dream 

And my dream has finally been found 

Sorting through your belongings 

Your life works are in my hands 

I’m amazed at all of my findings 

What acknowledgement could time withstand 

Aunt Jody you’ve been a mystery 

For a good part of my life 

In your way you encouraged me 

Supporting my latest delight 

Strip pictures of us in a photo box 

I would have been two or three 

You wore horn rimmed glasses, (they were hot)

Liked movies with Grace Kelly and James Dean 

The family moved West with my Grandparents 

You trained from Secretary to Nurse 

You mapped your life dream with diligence 

The Canberra to Hawaii was well rehearsed 

Your big loud laugh made infectious smiles 

We talked about happy fun things 

A fan of Elvis you wore trendy hairstyles 

Mysteries and Tabloids your favourite readings 

As I grew our relationship altered 

You never married or had children of your own 

You sent letters and postcards from Hawaii 

And every year would come visit home 

Finally standing on my own feet 

A rough start yet you always stood by 

As a part of our dysfunctional family 

Internal struggles rarely argued or cried 

You ventured to Spain for an extended trip 

To see sights of your hearts desire 

I remember you practicing your Spanish 

Practice, practice and never tire 

You moved back from your dream to the family 

Grandma was moving to a seniors home 

I now had a child and was working full time 

So we communicated more often on the phone 

You still had your hobbies and projects 

Needlework, collecting coins and stamps 

Continued as member of the Screen Actors Guild 

Betsy your old Dodge Dart had to be revamped 

I can’t seem to recall a dull moment 

Whenever you were coming around 

You always tried to live life to the fullest 

Discovering new fads or learning something profound 

When Grandma died you seemed to change 

Floundering in your life’s direction 

You didn’t need her approval any more 

So your dogs got undivided attention 

You lived more South and I lived more West 

It was wonderful to have a visit 

When my daughter was graduating from High School 

You arrived with Mom, two dogs and your tickets 

You started to suffer from ailments 

Which Doctor’s had trouble working out 

You knew heavy smoking for so many years 

Would effect your bodies slow burnout 

I remember that call from emergency 

You are the closest family to manage 

My boyfriend and I made our way to your side 

To help you I considered a privilege 

The next year was tough many moments of doubt 

Then finally you started to get better 

The family had rallied at your bedside 

So great to see you looking more chipper 

Then to watch you take steps to regain your life 

The challenge you took with a vengeance 

Walking to driving to the dogs back with you 

Your world looked like it had some semblance 

My husband and I planned our honeymoon 

On motorcycles up to Alaska 

You asked that I bring a bumper sticker back 

And I promised a return visit over java 

We were on the road and I tried calling you 

But there was no answer on your phone 

I received a call three days into our trip 

You were found dead all alone at home 

My soul reeled when I phoned the family 

They wanted us to continue on our trip 

The emotions all mixed could I do something more 

To have averted your life ending script 

I sit with one of your dogs beside me 

Reminding me of the good times we shared 

You indirectly have inspired my writing 

Which is my dream that I’ve finally declared 

I’m still sorting through your belongings 

Your life works are in my hands 

I’m amazed at all my findings 

What acknowledgment could time withstand 

Wonder how life would be now 

If you were still around 

You always said to follow your dream 

And my dream has finally been found 

© Kathryn Jean Alexander May 30, 2011