geranium (for Nonna, 15 yrs passing)

2025, watercolor 

Did you find some satisfaction in life? What would you change if you could?

Nonna tells me such thoughts are useless and waves me away with her flour coated hand, then dusts her temple as she wipes the moisture from her brow. Without pause she continues kneading the dough. As she stares at the doughball and flour-coated workboard, she sees herself dressed in a beautiful suit and skirt, escorted off a boat or train and into the welcome warmth of her family, who beckon and hold her in highest esteem. They will take her for coffee and cakes, doing all the preparation and clean up. She loves that kind of attention, indirect and inclusive. An unspoken, respected and integral part of the whole.

11/21/20