Poems by Virginia B

I remember coming home from school in the middle of December
The butter was on the counter, warming up
Two aprons were draped across the backs of kitchen chairs, waiting
The cookie cutters were arranged on the table, ready to work their magic

The butter was on the counter, warming up
Mom and I worked side-by-side, measuring, stirring, talking
The cookie cutters were arranged on the table, ready to work their magic
Soon bells and stars, Santas and angels adorned the cookie sheets

Mom and I worked side-by-side, measuring, stirring, talking
Scents of vanilla and sugar wafted all around us
Bells and stars, Santas and angels adorned the cookie sheets
We sneaked a taste or two and packed the rest in tins

On Christmas day, the tins came out for the family to enjoy
From across the approving crowd, Mom and I shared a moment of recognition, of togetherness
Scents of vanilla and sugar wafted all around us
I remember coming home from school in the middle of December

Hollow knots live in my heart
Hidden where you used to be
You, the older sister, walking
Holding onto skipping me

Memories of our times together
Slowly start to fade away, 'til
What I will have left of you
Only snippets: faded, gray

Great thing with the mind, though, here
In this sadly sweet position
I can choose which thoughts to keep,
Smiling in my recognition

Singing silly songs together
Driving down the wrong way street, or
When you built me my own castle
Giving me a regal seat

Other, not so rosy thoughts will
Simply start to disappear
Knots will loosen in my heart,
Eased by thoughts of Sister, dear