Grandma

Do you know what Grandpa did

For Christmas after you passed?

He had us cut your pretty sweaters

Sparkly, bulky, light weight,

Even your favorite dark brown knit

We made special pillows with them

Mine smelled like

Your Red Barn perfume for the longest time

I buried my face deep

Into the shiny gray and navy mock neck you once wore

I keep my evidence of you next to me

On my bed so close

When I look at it,

I see you cozied up by the white marble fireplace

Glass of boxed wine in hand as you cruise for Kohl’s coupons

Us granddaughters laugh as we tease

Awaiting your articulated comeback

Closing my eyes, I can taste the Folgers we had earlier

I hear low excited murmurs

Us girls of the family are seated

At the special table you know to ask for

Beauty and the Beast is playing at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater

The little candle we are obligated to blow out

Flickers, illuminating how young you look

Tonight, your long hair sweeps your shoulders

Reminding me instantly of your high school prom picture

We’re older now

Years ago, we fought over the cold guest room

But, now we want to sleep in the playroom

We pull out Click Clack Moo with a smirk

I hear your judgmental laugh as you open it

Not making it to the end due to endless giggles,

You turn the lights off, I close my eyes

Now I take a whiff but,

I can’t smell you anymore