Blue

photo by Warm Coco July 2010

Mom served me hot tea

and cold cereal

in her new Blue Willow dishes.

My childhood memories embellished with

Blue Willow

Blue Willow

Blue Willow.

As a child, I studied that Blue Willow pattern

when I sat alone to eat.

Later,

when Mom was in the hospital

I peeked through her kitchen cabinets

at home.

I spied

her very

last

Blue Willow piece.

In my hand it's smaller now,

and more frail

with many fine lines.

Magpie Tale #20: Tooth Brush, in 55 words

When I was very little,

Mom badgered me to

brush my teeth.

I hated it.

The minty paste burned my tongue.

I cried.

Today I hold the small plastic pan

under Mom's chin

so she can brush her teeth

while she sits up

in her hospital bed.

The minty paste refreshes her tongue.

I cry.

To see other Magpie Tales, click here.

First 55.

“Say Cheese!
Stand still and smile!
I have to take our pictures.”
Such a long

long time ago.
My family photos, now turned yellow,
Stuffed in shoe boxes,
Bring Warm Smiles

and
Sadness.
I miss
My Father
And
My Brother.
I miss my youth.
If I can just stand still
And smile.