Important repost

On April 17, 2006, I wrote this poem for my Great Aunt Doris, who had Alzheimer's. Almost two years after I wrote this poem, on April 24th, Aunt Doris passed away. I'm going to read this poem tomorrow at the funeral. I thought I would repost it in honor of her loving memory. I edited the end slightly.

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Memories

A decorated tin filled with
Little white shortbread cookies with
Little rainbow sprinkles that make the
Milk turn colour sits on the
Kitchen table.
A small fold-out table made of tin with
Sturdy aluminum legs and the peaceful scene of a
Forest brook in autumn, surrounded by shady sepia foliage and
The glimpse of a deer is set up before the
Couch, with a
Small box of dominoes spilled over in preparation for
A game to be played.
I can't quite tie my
Shoes yet, but he helps me.
Two bunny ears. Tuck under. Pull. Now it is a
Bow.

An overstuffed yellow armchair sits by the
Dusty screen door, and beyond that is the
Porch, where the
June bugs used to collect at night and buzz in our ears.
Strawberries grow here too, I remember, within the
Tufts of pale green grass.
She has me gather them in a
Porcelain dish that is wreathed with
Painted-on autumn leaves. I pick them and
She washes them for me, and
We eat them together.

This is what I remember, and though
You cannot, I will keep remembering
For both of us.