railroads

to the little girl born to us
in a train station years ago
the railroads branching from your life
have travelled further than you know

midcentury career woman
nurse with sharp eye and intellect
the pebbles formed from your true grit
created a ripple effect

you grew a love for the ages
with the farm boy from your school days
through an unconditional bond
five kids bloomed in your warm ways

until one day, out at a lake
where the loons cry and cattails blow
your brothers, sisters and their kin
built memories in sunset’s glow

from smiling girl with the barrette
to grandma with crackerjack wit
i’ll carry your legacy with me
i promise i’ll never forget