Sweetness of Gardenias

LIKE THE SWEETNESS OF GARDENIAS

Mother, you died 15 years ago. At first, I felt shards of pain so deep I couldn't breathe, then numbness so complete the sun could not break the clouds. Then there was just stillness like the sweetness of gardenias in the crystal vase on your yellow kitchen table. so fragrant, so strong. Today the tradewinds blow your voice to my ear reminding... a pleasant mantra of tenderness: magic words that move my palms, your palms, together we mold, help, create. your gift has become my gift. In the mirror I see your eyes, your beautiful brown circles looking back, so radiant. "Don't forget me," you whispered that morning your heart stopped forever I won't forget.