My Mama always said Addie May
was one of her best friends.
Mama always looked forward
to the prompt knock at her door
every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

She and Addie May talked,
mostly about my sisters and me.
or rather my Mama talked
and Addie May cleaned,
did laundry and dishes,
ironed and cooked.

My Mama trusted her too look
after us when we were little
so Mama could get
some shopping
done. Or a lot.

She gladly paid Addie Mae the thirty dollars
a week and even loaned her a little
when the son got in trouble with the police
over nothing, according to both women.

My Mama was devastated
when Addie May got cancer.
She even went to visit her once in the hospital.
Said she didn’t know what she would do
without Addie May.

Ruby comes three times a week now.
My Mama says she is just one of her best friends.

Janet Taliaferro