AUNT TILLIE

When mother went away
You took her place. 
You showed me how
 To pull my socks on 
Master the alphabet 
Spell words like"icicle."
You told me wonder tales -
Jack the Giant Killer 
The Three Bears.
You bandaged my cut knees
Bought me a Raleigh bike.
A Coventry thoroughbred.
Saw I was schooled
Took on my feckless Dad.
I veered from policies
That you endorsed
But kept your moral stance
As best I could.
I travel the road
Through the dead years
Back to your love.

- Robert Greacen