One Dress

I know your life was not easy

Immigrant parents

With little English

Farmers during the depression

Thirteen brothers and sisters

Alcoholic father

 

You had one dress

Only one

No plumbing

You drank from the well

Poor education

 

You started working during

The eighth grade

Dropped out

Moved out

Supported yourself

 

Single mother

You worked hard

Taught me to value the same

You always told me

I would go to college

You made us a home

Full of books,

Sunday dresses

(not just one)

 

I look back

At how much

I took for granted,

Never really understanding

 

I admire you for

The battles you fiercely faced in life;

I admire how you are battling now

For your dignity, your memory, and

Your life.