In the early years of cousin fun Neffs Mills was our place to frolic and run To play and laugh, to wander & explore Free reign as kids with odd props galore Flea market and auction bounty alike 5 rotary phones, our fun for the night Imagination & creativity bloom As we play “airplane” and make a mess of the room Watercolor on canvas, a novel act for young minds Freedom of expression and delicate patience in kind Our tiny hands and fingers just want to go go go “Don’t try to control it”, she says “Just let it flow!” Unwitting learning by this group of young children A product of the love between Marie and Nelson. Affection shown, an alias plain “Honey”? Why that? The birth of a nickname. Life carries on, and time flashes by A stroke upon Nelson makes us all cry A new set of challenges, a hard road ahead Honey and Grandpop choose laughter instead Sit-down comedy brings light on the day And hope in our hearts, it shows us the way To make diamonds of coal and keep moving forward Takes the right attitude, and a good sense of humor Through seasons too short, cousins disperse far and wide Across this grand continent, to build their own lives Head home on occasion, for family and cheer The bonds that were forged, remain crystal and clear Though Nelson had passed, and kids flew the coop Letters from Honey, keep us in the loop Her love that we feel from miles away A reminder of family to brighten the day Our calls then touch on matters of state In regard to politics and cultures of hate But jokes and love in the end always win “If I wasn’t laughing, I’d be crying” she’d say with a grin Faltering eyes make painting a chore But now her poetry shines all the more An artist as ever, low vision be damned She finds other ways to meet the demand Collages and poetry form of the parts All in good fun or an expression of heart Paintings, verses, cuttings… letters & more Are pieces of her we can visit and tour As her memory fades, it’s hard to remember Things that used to be clear are surrendered Despite the confusion, she handles with grace Where anger might show from folks in her place “My mind is like a sieve”, she would say of her mother Laugh off a lapse, and ask for another Gentle reminder of who we might be To come visit her and fill her with glee Now passed away, she leaves quite a hole Where she and Grandpop touched all our souls Living her life the best way she knew how An example to us who carry on now Thank you, Honey, for your lessons and love We know you’re at peace with Nelson above Your art now we cherish, though we are apart Your memory and love burns bright in our hearts <3