A Letter

I only met you once,
I was very young and cannot remember the day,
But apparently you smuggled me sweets,
And let me stay up way past my bedtime.

Soon after you left, I received a letter,
You told tales of a strange country,
A place that was “about as cold as it is inside your freezer!”
In words that are as warm as our summers.

It is only now that I know what a sad life you lived,
You had two daughters, who passed away,
And you died soon after this letter was sent.

I did not experience the usual loss,
Because I never really got to know you.
Instead I only wish that I could write back to you,
And thank you properly for sending me such a beautiful letter.

Lots of love,
Your Great Niece.