Black Velvet Sweater - 100-word snippet

When I was about four years old, my mother made me a beautiful black velvet sweater. She put it on me one cold morning. That was my only layer and it did not keep me warm. I shivered and my teeth chattered as I was buying sweet rice from a street vendor. I was not comfortable, but everywhere I went, I received a compliment about the black velvet sweater. I was a quiet child and did not complain. Perhaps I was too cold to talk. I learned at the early age that you cannot judge the book by its cover.

Memories of You

You are still very much in my memories

In your garden of roses and orchids
The flowers flourished under your care
And repaid you with beautiful blossoms in warm air

At the corner that marks your name

We sat on the grey cement block
I took off what was left of your hair
And cut the nails of your thin fingers short

You had a peaceful smile on your face

With a calm acceptance of a dreadful fate
You did not show me your pain
Nor any doubts you might have had of your faith

We took a walk on the waterfront

I learned about your love of boating
I learned about the loneliness of a young soldier
And the devotion to his wife and daughter

I learned about your philosophy of life

A red rose though simple, it shows beauty and grace
I learned about your adoration of life
The joy friendships bring, the blessings you’ve got

It was the last season of fall we were together
I’m grateful for the chance to be with you then, forever
A few days of an almost carefree time
A road trip to San Diego, we three took

It’s been two years since you departed

The train trip that still carries me on
I’ll be back to where we once were sitting
To give her my love while we share the memories of you