My grandma always told me

That my mother was ungrateful

her baby sister was irresponsible

Shirking her responsibilities of her zillion kids

My grandma always told me

My uncle could do no wrong

Doesn't matter that he touched his baby sister

We will sweep that under the rug

My grandma always told me

That my Aunt was always ready to argue

That the sky was green and that she

Was the most deserving of...

My grandmother always told me

to visit the city of love.

She reminisced about it all -

the dance, the smiles, the people she kissed -

and to me, clear it was - what she missed

no tower, no city, no particular place.

for eyes her up lit

on that indelible face

and me, at this young age,

i got enraptured by her tale

i had to take a taste

of her vigorous cocktail,

that bursts out of chests and

and li...

My grandmother always told me to keep clean

To not leave things out

to tidy up

and to stay presentable

If I ever learned one thing from her it was how to clean

How to do the dishes

how to look fresh

how to store things away

So thank you grandma I think

As I use her tricks

to hide the blood and body...

“Nǎi Nai?”

Bell’s grandmother ceases her rhythmic chopping of the vegetable she has on the wooden board. She still doesn’t know the name of that vegetable.

“Yes, child?” She asks, giving Bell her full attention.

It warms her soul. Nǎi Nai always makes her feel like what she says matters. It’s why she visited her home in hopes to talk to her now.

“Did you like Mom when you met her?” Bell sp...

My grandmother's whispers echoed through the years,

Urging me to conceal, to shield, to disappear.

"Hide your money, child, lest it be taken away,

Hide your feelings, my dear, for they'll only betray. "

Her words, like shadows, cast a veil of doubt,

Whispering caution, warning me to keep the world out.

"Hide your plans, my love, for they'll be met with scorn,

Better to keep them secret, lest yo...

My grandmother always told me,

That I should sit up straight

Maybe work on gaining weight

That my makeup of mine looked obviously fake

And my mother would be ashamed.

My mother always told me,

It’s okay to be dumb,

My looks made up for it

So I could be fun

I could flirt with boys and that was okay

As long as I made sure I never stayed out too late

Because they would wait, and that’d be my fa...

My grandmother always told me

To hold onto that star

Let it grant your wish

So forever can go far

But now the sky has dimmed

Stars flicker no more

Hopes are crushed now

Dreams are lost

My burden awaits

Like holding up the world

A kite in the air

Lightning strikes still

It echoes with regrets

“Not a moment to waste”

Is what she said

Yet I let it fade

Some hope to find

Some let it pass

I will re...

My grandmother always told me

your loved

your safe

My grandmother always told me

your cared for

and free

So then why do not feel it

Feeling lonely and sad

I don't think that she's telling the truth

Cause I'm not the girl she's talking about

I'm a girl that is unhappy and confused

My grandmother always told me

follow your dreams

you're life awaits

When your gone

I'll be sad

wishing I would h...

My grandmother always told me "be sure to keep them laughing."

Thick tar scent pouring past yellowed teeth.

I remember the cool touch of her flaccid skin

The crystalline blue of her eyes behind thick lensed glasses.

"You're good at it. Make sure they keep laughing."

The sharpness of her voice distinct from the hum of Christmas.

I remember the smile as her eyes surveyed the family

A single tear...

My grandmother always told me to smile and sit up straight

To cook but never finish what’s on my plate

And to Bite my tongue for arguments sake

My grandmother promised

If I follow these rules, a man will love me

Rather than use me for a fool but I think I’ve learned

More than my grandma can teach.

I’ve found smiling and nodding to lead to defeat

That no matter my choice if I’ve stifled my voice

...