Hello my friend-

You guided me here and I did come thinking to see your poetry not knowing these writings were so many and so beautifully shared. You especially told me of Grandmother, a poem I found so moving as I reflected on my paternal grandmother who at my grandfather's hand knew so much pain, so many bruises. She was and remains a most special part of me. I love her so dearly.

Excerpted from your poem, and copied here only to comment, I bring your words "I can hear your secrets whispering, I can hear you cry…

You can see me looking and you can hear my bottomless sigh."

I remained with my grandma through her cancer, and the failing body which had brought so much joy to my life.... hand cranked ice cream, hugs, her smile, and especially her cry of glee as she would call out from the farm house window when we would come to visit. Oh how I love her. O how I wish I could have prevented my grandfather's hurtfulness so she would have cried less.

God gave me such a blessing in my grandma, goodness, I am crying trying to type this! Thank you Tina, for helping me to reflect through your beautiful poem!

Z
Mark56