The Last Thing

The last thing she wanted
was to be in just another
pretty box
house
in a small town
sand box
in the yard

Joined the army
World War II
Driver
of Ike
I’m told

Loved to drive
mediation
on the move
unattached
independent
Grandma’s happy
because
she’s going away

The last thing she wanted
was to be just another
wife, sister, mother
answers for all
questions for none
herself
or
anyone

Larger than life
mother-in-law
mother
grandmother
Summer
outside
Winter
inside
Sharp contrasts
Never gray

The last thing she wanted
was to be on just another
great lake’s charter
scattered
eventually joining
the river
of ashes
the son
she worshiped
but knew
no longer
years before the bullet
entered his heart
and broke hers
beyond wanting

Photo Credit: simpleinsomnia Flickr via Compfight cc

Margaret Emerson

When Margaret Emerson retired from her career as a professor of nursing, she felt life open to her true passions: creating art through painting and poetry. She lives on the island of Martha’s Vineyard where a large artist community promotes exploration and expression. As a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Poets Collective, Margaret attends weekly workshops giving and receiving feedback about members writing. She has published poetry in local newspapers and has given readings at many programs on the island. Margaret’s poems are inspired by the awe in everyday life.

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When Margaret Emerson retired from her career as a professor of nursing, she felt life open to her true passions: creating art through painting and poetry. She lives on the island of Martha’s Vineyard where a large artist community promotes exploration and expression. As a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Poets Collective, Margaret attends weekly workshops giving and receiving feedback about members writing. She has published poetry in local newspapers and has given readings at many programs on the island. Margaret’s poems are inspired by the awe in everyday life.

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