Not the Sentimental Type
written by: Lois Perch Villemaire
My mother revealed another side of herself
years after she passed away
I came across a cream-colored scrapbook
the early days of a 65-year marriage.
Her engagement to my father
lists of wedding gifts
handwritten notes from names
I recognize as family and friends
first birthday cards as husband and wife
Cutting, pasting, her own captions
sing of the start of a marriage.
She loved the theater, reading, museums,
family and community.
No interest in daytime TV,
playing cards, arts and crafts projects.
Girl Scout leader, PTA, League of Women Voters
were more her style
My mother was a busy woman.
I move my fingers over the worn cover
an inlaid Grecian design
columns and swirls stained with age,
brown lace remains strong
binding the scrapbook
like she held family together.
Yellowed pages are brittle, edges crumbling,
chunky pieces break off at the least touch.
Final entry, my birth announcement
the first of their five children.
Life must have gotten hectic
although her life was more than full
forever empty pages follow
her energy went in other directions.
- Not the Sentimental Type - August 25, 2026
- Water - June 11, 2026
- Just Before the Wedding - March 7, 2026
