Laughter Stilled

When I was little, my mother managed one end of
Reynolds Dorm at what was then Western Carolina
College (now University). Jayne Wells managed
the other end, and her daughter Sharon played
with my sister and me. Jayne passed away yesterday,
leaving a family and world richer for her life.

She laughed a lot,

that much I do remember.
Wore stretch pants, let us
run all over campus, little
girls in safer times.

And now she's gone, the
laughter stilled by sickness,
waking to another version
of herself, return to loved ones
is the hope.

She died upon my birthday,
just like Sophie years ago,
two women who invested
time into my life.

And laughter, possibly the
greatest gift of all.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2014