*Joan Rita Jenkins* 1933-2016
~My Beloved Tonti Girl~
All my life
you were there for me
supportive and so true.
Never judging
or abandoning me
always following through.
You noticed my love
of writing and told me I
need to try,
to take the time to write
about the things
going on in my life.
From times I got my heart
broken to watching Daddy die.
Being a single mom
and just trying to survive.
To having my baby
with special needs
to seeing my husband taken
by the Immigration Police.
You told me so very often
that you hoped that you would see
the day I published something,
that would make me so happy.
I believe that day has finally come
and I’m so sorry you’re not here.
But anytime I hold my pen
you will always be near.
I love you and I miss you so
and I hope that you can see,
the happiness inside my heart
that I am finally,
doing what I love to do
playing with my words.
Give me a sign from heaven
If that’s not too absurd.