West Saint Paul, MN
SHE SAID YES
Mom smelled like fresh spearmint
And the pack of Doublemint Gum in her purse never seemed to run out
If you asked her for a piece
She said “Yes”
Mom felt like warm blankets
Her lap was always available for sitting on
If you asked if she would hold you, no matter how big you got
She said “Yes”
Mom tasted like Coca Cola on a hot summer day
A six-pack of bottles chilled on the garage steps
They were for her to drink at dinner, even if she was on a diet
But if you asked for one
She almost always said “Yes”
Mom sounded like a sweet southern breeze
Even when she sang off-key
And if she asked you to sing songs with her while she washed the dishes after supper
You said “Yes”
Mom looked like the sun
Her face always happy to see you
If you asked her to watch you dance, swim, play basketball or do somersaults
She said “Yes”
Mom was and still is the sun, the gum, the Coca Cola, the warm blankets and the southern breeze–
ABOUT THE POET
Julie Ethan is a registered nurse living in West St.Paul and the founder of Mobile Foot Care. As a writer, memoirist, and peace advocate, her focus is on bridging cultural and political divides. She holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego. In November 2024, she traveled to China and co-authored Peace with China, an article co-written with a Shanghai-based journalist.
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