Grandma Z.

By Ashley Crisp

You were always there
to take care of me
when Mom was gone.
Your house became my home:
Fixing my hair before
school in the morning,
and hearing my rants and raves
about the lumps after
you’ve finished my braids.
Every Thursday taking Dennis and I
to McDonalds before your
Tops meetings.
Running to pick me up
from school when I was
claiming to have swine flu.
Coaxing me on the phone
when I am sobbing over ex-boyfriends,
always telling me the right words.
You are the only one who
handles me when I’m
sad,
happy,
mad,
or just lonely.
No one could ever take
your place in my heart.
Who says Grandma's can't be mothers too?