My mom’s ‘ukulele, a Martin, very rare
Sits on the piano she also played
The ‘uke was her favorite instrument
There’s a long crack on the back of the body
That seems not to affect the sound
I don’t know how to play it, just some basic chords
When I strum, I am back with her
Hear the songs she used to sing to me
Favorites from her past, so much my past now
“Red Sails in the Sunset,” “Beyond the Reef”
Two I know by heart
Can hear her sing them to me
Out on that dark, cold sea, swift winged to her
I send a thousand flowers to warm and light
Lanning Lee 