Janet Brice Parker
More Than Ever
More than ever,
I’m missing them all.
I’m startled by the smells
from past encounters.
They’re more than memories;
they are real.
I am literally inhaling
what and who used to be.
I am closer than ever
(as is everyone)
to seeing them again.
Will Mae’s hot kitchen,
Vivian’s face powder,
and Ricie’s
freshly starched dresses
welcome me
in a cloud of blue,
just like Ricie’s favorite color?
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