A POEM FOR JOANIE

DEAR FRIEND, 

dedicated to Margaret Joan Kanaski, by Rose Lefebvre

Countless memories envelop me in a mist,

one at a time dancing into view

to reveal themselves like vivid films.

I hear your humorous impersonations

of Lily Tomlin’s character Edith Ann,

or me answering the telephone to hear

that Tomlin phone operator, Ernestine, asking,

“Is this the party to whom I am speaking?”

Those calls always started with a smile.

You performed to lighten moods, chase away

gloomy moments, to initiate laughter,

and we all were drawn to you, loved you for it.

Arms always willingly offering hugs

of comfort, warmth, compassion,

 such a natural greeting from you.

You seemed so bold and unafraid to execute antics,

and with you at my side empowering me

I could become, perform, experience

what I never would have dared.

You opened my world, helped me move

beyond limits I had on myself.

Who else could coax me to perform Big Spender

from Sweet Charity, in front of soldiers wounded

in Vietnam laying in the hospital at Camp Pendleton.

I still hardly believe it.Your quirky laughter infected everyone,

and soon we all would be sharing that special

free feeling it brought to each enjoying it.

I named you little sister, and cherished our love,

prize the precious memories stored in my heart.

Joanie, your matchless personality, loyalty and

love through all the many years is golden,

more treasured and valued, and will always

dwell within me.