When I told Janet about the poems I have written through the years, <br />She said, "Mr. Damico, it's sad. They'll turn to dust and disappear. <br />If you'll let me help you file, in order, all your poetry, <br />I'll gather a list of contests and publishers who'll take your poetry." <br />We worked well together. I was straight man for her repartee. <br />She a high school teacher on sabbatical avoiding boring days. <br />Leaving the poems with her, I left to visit sisters in New York State. <br />Janet almost revealed the truth with, "Come back soon. I can't wait." <br />When I returned I got a first-time-ever hug with repartee. <br />I asked about her drastic loss of weight and wiped our tears away. <br />A furious anger grew inside of me- I asked of Him above. <br />"Please! Take me! Not her! She's so young, so brave, so full of love!" <br />With only her friend, Susan, and I to hold her hands; Janet died Dec.5. 1996<br /><br />Joseph Damico<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/janet-smith/
