The Ladies
2016- A year of great loss
But with a glimmer of joy
Let’s not forget the light in the dark
Two beautiful baby boys
Christmas has come for another year
Their first in the Bob Knox home
But as we gather for holly and cheer
To the Ladies, I dedicate this poem.
First, the woman of many names
Margie, Grandma, and Mom
Different roles, but to her the same
All fabulous, loving and strong
Always in style-the best clothes, jewels, and shoes
At life she was a winner
She early established the rule of twos
That is, dates per night, and drinks before dinner
She spun circles around all the boys
On the Rainbow Gardens dance floor
But it was Bob Knox who gave her a lifetime of joys
He was like no man she’d met before
With her six girls she was loving but strict
A true German through and through
They’d sneak out, have their fun,
But she couldn’t be tricked,
And they thought she never knew
Christmas Day was her favorite time
She created the ribbon tied boxes
She’s the reason we celebrate, gather and rhyme
The inventor of Christmas at the Knox’s.
Next, the woman of many locations
Across the globe she flew
A girl of action, of several vocations
Surfer and Stylist to name a few
She’d fit in as much as the day would permit
Her adventures were never done
And when I’d ask her how she does it
She’d respond, “Darling, I always have fun”
She brought people together, it was her gift
Each friend in her life essential
Secretly matchmaking, she was sly and swift
She made us all feel uniquely special
From camo to pearls, she’d transform with ease
You could never quite pin her down
If you’d sneeze in your hand or forget to say please
Ms. Manners would scold with a frown
Blonde and beautiful, from the crowd she stood apart
She had gumption and charm to spare
Cool, charismatic, and a great big heart
There are few as wonderful as Claire.
Margie loved it when she came and stayed
She watched her as she grew
In those summers a unique connection was made
She taught her everything she knew
Each Christmas they’d prepare, hang lights by the dozens
The reindeer perched on the shelf
They’d ready the basement for the guests and cousins
Mrs. Clause and her little elf
They were true kindred spirits, together ‘till the end
And now as they watch from above
Each happy moment is a message they’ve sent
Of their everlasting protection and love
And though they are here no longer
Know that they live on within you
With each day their legacy grows stronger
And the power of love will continue
---
Shannon McCain
December 25, 2016
