It was just an old shirt and worn out old hat
Folded up and sitting on a shelf
The last time I touched em
Was when I moved to this house
And that was a few years ago
***
She was so curious exploring all the time
As she wondered from room to room
Looking for treasures, at least in her mind
Hoping to find something new
***
I was sitting on the porch swing enjoying the day
Sipping on a glass of sweet tea
When my little granddaughter came laughing my way
Saying, “Papa… Look what I found! Do you see?”
***
And I thought that my heart would jump out of my chest
When I saw what granddaughter wore
It was all I could do to hold back the tears
While emotions constricted my core
***
She jumped on my lap and hugged me so tight
While the tears escaped down my face
She never knew her mother
But the resemblance was strong
And my mind went to another place
***
“Papa, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
She said as she hugged me again
I said, “These were your mother’s.”
As I pointed to the clothes
You remind me of her way back when
***
We sat for awhile
And listened to the birds
And watched as the wind blew the leaves
I said a silent prayer
And looked up to Heaven
Where I know my daughter has wings
Kevin Parish 