I miss you baby.
Seems like I cain’t get warm no more
and winter’s a comin on soon.
I didn’t think I’d make it this far
with you gone.
I wish I could still feel
the heat of the July day
you passed.
I try.
But I cain’t no more
You’re both gone.
A’times I miss you so much
I feel like I’m gonna break
But then I look up
And still see that old dusty table
In front of me.
How many years we had that table?
Corn bread don’t taste the same off it.
Not so sweet in my mouth now.
I picked up your coveralls the other day.
I keep ‘em in that old trunk mama gave me.
They still smell like you,
your sweet sweat and tabacca
And the gin you’d sneak when you thought I wasn’t lookin’.
I needed a new blanket
but there just wasn’t enough for it.
So I took all your coveralls
And stitched ‘em--
I hope you don mind"
Into a blanket--
And covered myself in you,
So I can smell you and dream of you
Through the long winter.
copyright/all rights reserved Audrey Howitt 2011
I saw the exhibit of quilts from Gee's Bend, Alabama when they toured. I was struck by one woman's story in particular. She made a quilt from her dead husband's clothes to feel closer to him. For more, please go to http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/