She came to my GED classes,

Faithfully,

in seven weeks,

never missed one.

Stayed late,

often asking questions

as though her life depended on

the fullness of

each lesson's absorption rate.

Thanksgiving Eve, snow was falling

ever so gently, giving a pristine look

to the projects' grounds.

She looked tired, face drawn, so

I offered her a ride home.

We had time to chat a bit;

she told me of each struggle, living on

next to nothing, trying to make good,

a city transplant from the rural south.

"I'm's sick alot, but I jus' gotta do this."

So tired, yet, her eyes had that special "mother-glimmer"

when she spoke about her only son,

17 now,with so much promise.

She said, "He wants to be a research doctor.

He makin' A's, on the honor roll, ya know.

And here I am...can't even read." 

I said, "You can learn, don't be afraid. Besides,

I see how proud he is of you, just for trying."

"I can really do this then," she said, 

'cause I live for that boy's smile.

He's my heart."

I reached over and gave her the warmest hug,  ever...our last.

bjd