inner art journal

Down the Reach

I knew Margy my whole life. She took me to the lab to be her young assistant when I was 14 to help her measure calcium and albumin. I always felt guilty for not going into science. But I was never interested in science, only being with Margy. She was always so kind to me and my family and provided a generous ear and thoughtful, head square on her shoulders, and ever compassionate advice.

When I was in my 30s I visited her in Maine and we went to a jazz concert. I never liked jazz, only being with Margy. A man sitting next to us asked if Margy was my grandmother. She and I looked at each other. She said “no, I’m her godmother.” He laughed and said “maybe you’re her fairy godmother!” We laughed too. Yes, that was it. Margy was my fairy godmother.

She will ever be a part of me and I will think of her always when I smell the sea breeze or take my calcium supplement before bed. I will think of her when I look within and am in need of a fairy godmother. I see her there now, her salty smile and eyes like the ocean, reflecting the mid-day sun.

sea breeze
has changed direction
sailing down the reach
its your turn she says
handing me the rudder

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