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January 15th, 2026
by Sophie Jiang
Wrinkles of aging memories stretch into view as I Scatter her photos around the clumsy room. Her full laugh like the moon during a clear night, Waltzing with Grandpa in the nocturnal glow The two of them swaying like leaves beneath willow trees Careful hands reaching for three seashells on each beach Uniting them as she did with our divided family. And now Her armchair where she silently prayed Is empty. A gaping Endless hole That can never truly be filled. Grandpa feels distant, as if a part of his soul Has been stolen away, The light in his Crescent eyes Fading A part of him looks to unite with her someday. As I kneel in front of the Siheyuan's window Where our mandarin flowed like a river The tepid oolong tea Slowly smoothes my sad, sputtering worries But as I close my eyes I can still feel her through the roots of jasmine Fanning in bramble branches of a bloodline Believing, building, bringing back joy The way she showed us how to pinch dumpling frills Feeding us until our bellies rolled with giggles Her subtle scent of ginger and garlic The way she scolded us when we stayed up too late Her voice so brisk and sharp Yet so gentle. The way she defied the mocking scowls of strangers The way she held onto the roots of our family Never letting go. I dry my blurry eyes to finally spot The hazy glow of the sun Soaking her image in gold Gazing across the room Behind me At me A familiar teasing smile hinted In timeless eyes. Note: Siheyuan – a residence with an enclosed courtyard.
About the Poet
Sophie Jiang resides in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada.
Read the poet's biography and Young Poets World publications
on Sophie Jiang's Artist Page.
Young Poets Collection
This poem is also featured in
Young Poets Collection #1,
published in the Young Poets World Library.
Keywords: city life, walking, dreaming, nature, hometown
Previously published in Young Poets 13 to 15:
Voices Silenced
by Mariam Cele
Young Poets 13 to 15 is part of Young Poets World and waxpoetryart.com.
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