the changes were made
the permanent plastic smiles
the vacant expressions
the softness which I looked for
desperately
my arms seeking solace
in the form of a warm embrace
I found none
they stood collectively off to the side
murmuring in dignified hmm's and has
my Grandmother blotted her lips stiffly
leaving a coral print of her curved mouth
on a styrofoam cup
Grandpa muttered about busses running late
every hour
they wanted me out of their sight
before I went
I flipped idly through my favorite book
and wondered where all the time had gone
the time Grandmother had caught
like raindrops on her tongue
that Grandfather had sought in the
shape of solid wood
Grandfather's hands never forgave
the brash beating he inflicted upon
his own children
when they were young
Grandmother's sharp gaze never once
flicked in my direction
the lines in her face suggested guilt
the many years of aging had done her in
her heart beat feebly
simply because she failed to do
the one thing that was expected
to be a mother
to raise her child right
well she was hardly ever there
to make a difference
my other Grandma
I could call her Grannie gently
and she would respond to it
with a gesture of love
so vibrant
so all consuming
that whenever she spoke
I acknowledged the words
whenever a sandwich was presented to me
alongside a glass of milk
from that action alone
I would smile
love is a powerful thing
love from family is even
more potent
unfortunately it doesn't exist
on my father's side
comprised of shadowy addicts
and overflowing with broken glass
smiles
that threaten to tremble
in the company of others'
and when alone
shatter accordingly