When The Black Dahlia flew away,
her delirium ----
like a balloon without helium,
You took the wheel,
and raised me a great deal.
.
You lay in bed, unwell,
and have decided to say farewell.
I thank your ageless grace
that kept me from darkness's bait.
.
Lemon cupcakes are the only flavor you can taste,
I fill you like a balloon that never deflates.
You refused treatment,
and your arm and stomach swell
like poison ivy that doesn't dwell.
.
You were a mother to me,
though, I didn't realize it when I was a teen ---
and instead, projected my hate
where you gave nothing but grace.
.
Your stories, your laughter, and your pride
are forever held ---
The Oz of my story, dreams, and farewells;
Eat your lemon cupcakes,
and enjoy the church bells ---
.
The Irish luck you have given,
will land you a special place in heaven.
.
Nana, I thank you,
You loved me before I understood what it meant,
where I misinterpreted love as distance,
and hate as loyalty and resonance.
.
You had open hands,
and showed me what it meant to be
a passionate, strong, and loving being.
.
You were my mother,
and soon, you'll be gone,
Lemon cupcakes are the last food you will taste,
taste buds granted luck from a changed fate.
.
Enjoy your lemons, Oz of the world,
you'll never understand the side of me
that turned to regret,
stillwater, a project.
.
Or the place you hold
in my pocket, my heart, forever bold,
of me to keep you ahold ----
a jar in my memory,
lemons aren't that bad to me.