My aunt, Frances Ferrell Rogers Christenbury, passed away on July 8, 2023, at age ninety-one.

She was the younger sister of Helen Ferrell Johnson, my mother, who died ten years ago.

I wrote the following poem on July 9, 2023, as a tribute to Frances, Helen and their devoted sisterhood.

***

Through high points and hardships,

We blazed new trails and distinct paths.

One of us stayed. One of us flew away,

But both of us grew and endured.

With capable hands, we shaped red clay.

We loved our families and neighbors.

We welcomed creatures great and small.

We nurtured magnolias and gardenias,

Through early frosts and hard winters.

Now the light sleeping and heavy lifting are put to rest.

We feel the ebb and flow of the tide together,

Walking the shore with the wind but without a care,

Embracing cool waves as they wash over our bare feet.

Revealing the truth of our favorite shells to keep.

***

If you’d like to read more of my poetry, you’ll find my latest book, A Path I Might Have Missed, on Amazon.