Visiting Aunt Peg (Poetry)

Each visit was like entering a temple
we all took our shoes off — left them at the door
she had a line-up of soft slippers there and waiting
we went through this little ritual before

venturing any further on those carpets
so vacuumed free of fluff — what dirt would dare
settle and so trespass in her hallway
when this housewife deemed it had no business there?

She was smilingly plump-cushioned with her welcome
big-bosomed and tight-permed, her pinny clean
and nothing out of place — the flat was spotless
little changed since the last time we had been

And in a closed-off room the ones she quietly cared for —
two invalid old ladies dozed away
unless they called, when she would bustle, cheery
to tend their needs — take in or fetch some tray

No children, but a husband who she cherished
and a host of in-laws swelled the birthday list
I was the eldest of her many nieces
the closest one, perhaps, and one to miss

her character — her rare unselfish nature
eccentric, warm and funny and sincere
so admirable, old-fashioned, heart rock-steady
every memory I hold of her is dear