And the poets down here...

What I have learned from Tillie

By Megan Anderson

even when it rains

there is something to smile about

when the world around you crumbles

still the strong can grin

when your skin cracks and wrinkles,

a positive outlook can do wonders

when it seems like you are forgotten

when the laughter you created

is silenced and

when the carousel

stops turning and

when the summer vacations

are filed away in family attics

there are those who defend

you, who speak up for those who can't

thank you tillie, your strength is poetic