TO COURTNEY

TO COURTNEY
To Courtney and Her Mother, Margaret Reid

When I was a girl
And very, very ill
I used to think of the brightest Day
When I could go out to play
Skip so high I could reach the sun
Swing from trees on one rope rung
My mind was at play


When I was a young teen
And very, very ill
I would see a beach with shell o’ so neat
My true love and I would try to collect
The best ones to connect
To the healing days were sure to come


When I was a young mother
And very, very ill
I would seek the hand of my God
I would touch the face of my Mother
I would speak to the heart of my husband
I would delight to see my children growing
These sights and sounds would restore me

Now that I am old
And very, very ill
I wonder how I made it so far
I remember the faith and people in circumstance
Those who would underwrite me all those years.
It is their love and warmth I now send to you
May you have good health at God’s speed

Earthene Fleming
November 8, 2005

Author's Comments:
"This poem is dedicated to Courtney and her mother, Margaret Reid by the special request of Poetal. Courtney is very ill and we are sending her our hopes and prayers for the day when "No resident will say: ‘I am sick"."
January 1, 2009 - Courtney recovered.