Song to Grandmother Under St. Cecilia's Window

you taught us the small songs first
the toy piano ones like music box glass
the one to starshine itself

and with our small hands open
you said here, take this,
it's music

something to love your whole life
isn't it
like the sound of the wind God sends

the mockingbird day,
the small carol
you hum to yourself

in the night's shades when you're afraid,
the moon and the nursery song
as well.

one birthday wrapped in shiny paper
with pink ribbons you gave my sister and I 
excerpts from the Great Composers

with short bios of their lives
on little 45s.
I remember listening diligently

with a child heart reverence///
when you were gone
I played them again

over and over in my mind
my heart blinded with tears
for the musical years.

mary angela douglas