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Talking with Wilma

Whoever bought you this teapot
(and I know you did not buy it
for yourself, perfect Japanese china)

   leafy white poppies lying
   against an aqua background
   bound by bands of navy,
   white waves and blossoms
   dancing around its circumference

knew elegance. It sits
on my decrepit white stove
gleaming
waiting for tomorrow’s tea

and I want to talk to you
about disillusionment
in a way we’d never been
able to do in real life

and yet I hear your voice.
“Oh, girl,” you say
launching some story from
your own time. And

it’s always the right story, some
somebodydonesomebodywrongsong
that sets the stage for acceptance
and moving on. Here we are

the teapot empty, waiting
for tomorrow’s conversation.

                              - Trudy Wischemann




In 2007, Trudy Wischemann devoted much of her time and energy to Wilma McDaniel’s care while she was in the convalescent home in Tulare. Trudy kept the rest of us abreast of Wilma’s health in weekly emails. Appropriately, we include Trudy’s recent poem in our space saved for Wilma.



For addional information about Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel's life, poetry and prose, check out: http://www.back40publishing.com

Comments

What a great read. Thanks.

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