Italian Neighbors Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Italian in me cries out to an Italian family who helped
our family out when we had no where to go.
Took us into their own home - all eight of us at the
time.
Yesterday, I found out she is dying of cancer, with
only a few days to live.
Running outside to be alone, I cried from deep within
for the woman our family has known for thirty-eight
years now.
A truly great and wonderful woman, full of fun and
laughter when we were growing up - just like my Mom.
Where have the years gone?

(11: 15 p.m. - 8/13/99)