What Grandma Does Best

I liked it best when Grandma braided my hair.

Mom held her grip too tight and my forehead would ache,

but Grandma combed back the unruly wisps of hair

with a gentle touch.

I liked it best when Grandma bundled me up

into my winter coat. She made sure my scarf

was snug against my chest and never pinched

my chin on my coat zipper.

I liked it best when Grandma tucked me in

at night. She’d start first with a bedtime story,

making sure my imagination was cared for

with tales of Bilbo Baggins.

She’d read a chapter, voice soothing my eyes closed,

and then she’d hum a soft prayer for morning

before pulling the covers up to my face

and kissing me gently on the forehead.

Gabrielle Crone