With Condolences
The cards people sent
when my mother died—
reproductions of vases
filled with pastel flowers,
empty green forests,
beaches with ebbing waves,
friends and family meant
well, but I only believe
half of it:
Your mom had a good life
and is in a better place
written in long hand.
But then:
May you find boundless
comfort in your beautiful
growing family.
And
You were a good, good
daughter
and believe that please.
Author’s Bio
Jan Ball’s 345 published poems have appeared in various journals, for example: ABZ, Mid–American Review and Parnassus. Three chapbooks and one full length poetry collection, I Wanted to Dance With My Father, were published by Finishing Line Press. Orbis, England, nominated her for the Pushcart in 2020.
