Rummy, Skip-Bo, Checkers, and War--By Jennifer Criss--United States

Rummy, Skip-Bo, Checkers, and War

She liked to play board games and card games

and would win every time.

Letting someone win (even a kid) was considered a crime.

Rummy, Skip-Bo, Checkers, and War.

We’d play and play, then play some more.

The only breaks were when “wrastling” or her stories were on

or when she’d cook for us or sing us a song.

I remember fondly grandma’s voice, her hugs,

and her strong perfume.

It still seems sometimes that she’s here- in the room.

But over twenty years have passed since her songs were heard

and the shouting over cards, calling “You dirty bird!”

Fun times were always had and there should have been more,

but we remember fondly, Rummy, Skip-Bo, Checkers, and War

Jennifer Criss graduated from Ball State University with a minor in Creative Writing, a lifelong passion.  She is currently collaborating on an anthology for older adults and helps lead a writing support group. Jennifer writes mostly short stories but has discovered a love for writing poetry.  Her poetry has been published in Poebita Magazine. She now works at Ball State, is a busy mother of two girls and her pen keeps moving. She is an editorial assistant with Indiana Voice Journal.