I Remember Everything Still (Poem by Joshua Staggers, Sketch by Kingsley Fannon)

I Remember Everything Still

I remember that moment, my Grandmother’s

Raspy voice: Look around, it’s almost our turn.
Excited, toes wrinkling, soft Sorel Caribou boots retaining
My warmth. I push my mittens through the snow, as
Evergreen trees surround me, hefty with laughter.
My eyes peer down the lengthy slope, heart
Beating rapidly, a family of snow
Eagles cruising together in unison, the sun’s
Radiant beams striking the ground.

Ecstatic, when my grandmother whispered,
Very well, it's time. Her voice
Echoing, as the skis bounced off white, granite
Rocks, wind howling in my face. I
Yearned for this moment, the line of
Trees seemingly infinite, my Grandma’s
Heartened laughter, the memory
I would conceive like a child.
Now, years later, staring at the photo...
Grandma, I miss you.

Softly, I hear, Very well, it's time. I
Touch the snow, feel its resentment.
I am lured by deception’s breath,
Licked by the salivating tongue.
Lonely, I plunge into its mouth.