Happy Mother's Day, Grandma. (Avó is Portugese for Grandmother.)


Avó

How does one describe a grandmother?
No two are alike.
How to wrap a person in words,
whom no words can define,
nor contain.
The heart too great,
the soul too grand.
A flood that paltry phrases
could never channel.
Steel and silver,
fire-hardened oak,
rain and curls.
Defiant purple
and primary colors.
So soft the hand
that has supported so many.
Forever surrounded by birds,
mushrooms and flowers,
sun and green grass.
A fat cat or two.
Hush now, no whistling.
Whisper and a smile
the soft chatter of cards.
Catch the laughter of owls,
ribald and chortling.
Adorn it all with bright glass
and shining stones.
And you might catch
the barest of glimpses,
the merest of hints,
of Beverly.