That First Year, Without Joe
written by: Emalisa Rose
He’d carry the red plaided
blanket, inviting the lot of us
to “come sit for storytime” along
with s’mores and some chitter chat.
Jane brought the chips and Aunt
Tina’s paella, never revealing
the secret ingredients.
Dodge ball and fireflies, watching
the stars draw our names on the
sky ceiling; this place we made camp
every year.
But Joe should have been here.
Joe with his blanket, right here,
cancer free, in our annual photo.
Emalisa Rose
When not writing, Emalisa Rose enjoys crafting and birding. She volunteers in animal rescue and tends to cat colonies in the area. Living by the beach, provides much of the inspiration for her art. Her work has appeared in Spillwords, Madswirl Magazine, Beatnick Cowboy and other spirited places. Her latest collection is "Connected by Sparrows," published by Origami Poems Project.
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