VENDOR WRITING
Saying Goodbye to 2020 B Y NORM A BR A CE Y, C ON T RIBU T OR V E NDOR As I reflect on another year gone by, I can’t help but recognize the frailty of the human condition as shown by COVID-19 wreaking havoc globally with no regard to age, race, or economic standing in our society. Something else stands out just as vividly: the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Without a doubt 2020 has been a difficult one for everyone. In spite of this, many of you have continued to support The Contributor and me and my family. You’ve not only given financial support but also food, clothing, gift cards and other things that make life easier: gloves, hats, scarves, Hot Hands, chapstick etc. It’s amazing how you always seem to always give what’s needed often even before I realize I need it — proof that someone else is ultimately in charge. Please know it is ALL very much appreciated!
Some of you have become “regulars” and I want you to know it makes my day when I see you, because I know some of you go out of your way to come and see me. You even show concern when I’m not out, which means more than words can say. Others are what I call, “one hit wonders” just passing through on your way to somewhere else and question what in the world I’m doing, and I’m more than willing to tell you all about The Contributor and the good that it does for our community. Some of you have moved on and are living elsewhere, and yet your support remains unwavering, coming to visit whenever you come to town — even from as far away as Memphis, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia etc. All I can say is wow! Others of you have died, and though you may be gone you will never be forgotten. I’m blessed that many of your family
members stop by to check on me. How amazing is that? Then there are those who’ve remained local and continue to support me and my family and many of you have encouraged others to do the same. Awesome! Thanks! Some of you have defended my corner even when I’m not there, explaining to those who’ve tried to take my spot, “Everyone knows this is Ms. Norma’s corner.” Or telling them, “We know who belongs here and who doesn’t. She does and you don’t!” Or, if someone is talking ugly to me many of you have been quick to set the person straight saying, “Nobody talks to Ms. Norma like that!” and then they tend to move on rather quickly, thanks to you. You’ve made a difficult year bearable, even pleasant. I hope in some small way I’ve had a positive impact on your life as well. It’s no wonder that during the pandemic and the stay-at-home order I missed you guys SO much!
In many aspects of my life, I’ve always felt like I didn’t fit in, I didn’t measure up, or I was too much trouble because I wasn’t “normal.” You’ve never made me feel that way at all! In fact, instead of ‘Norma that nobody’ you’ve gone out of your way to make me feel more like a hero or as one of my customers referred to me, “a she-ro”, instead of a zero! Some of you have used words like, “inspirational“ in reference to me. I don’t know about all that. I’m just surviving and doing the best I can to provide a decent life for my granddaughter. You have no idea how much your support truly means to someone like me. It’s even better than an underwire bra! (Hey, I had to throw a little humor in there — I was getting a little emotional.) But seriously, I thank you, even if I don’t remember your name, or everything you’ve done for me, big or small, please know you’ll have a place in my heart forever!
LET IT SNOW
THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE
SET ME FREE LORD!!!
Hexagonal crystals
It’s been almost a year, hasn’t it
I sat behind these 4 walls
Spark from thin air
Since I last saw you
Not knowing what to do
In a twinkling
You looked up at me with that
Asking God to help me stay strong and true
As intricate and unique
Bright joyful smile of yours
I let this world take control of me and I want to let go
As you and you
And your eyes were twinkling
Show me what I need to see
Cast across the night sky
Catching every bit of light in the room
I want to be free
Like I Ching coins
I can still see you now
I’m sorry for whatever I’ve done wrong,
From the hand of our Mother
I keep the image in my mental file
Please help me to hold on.
The tiny jewels fall
To pull up on grey dreary days
I’ve made a lot of wrong choices in life,
With no loss of chastity
It reminds me of how life used to be
Now it’s time to end that strife.
Singly, slowly, softly
Surrounded by friends, family, fun
Set me free Lord I know you can.
Attracted by our gravity
With all the bells and whistles
I’m holding on to both your hands.
Of dissonance and lament
Days of wild abandon
To unite as one
When we hugged and laughed and
Broadcasting a wall of
Reveled in being close
Healing silence
What I wouldn’t give to hug you now
In a wrap of hushed serenity
I was so sorry to hear about your mother
A warm layered blanket of
She gave you that beautiful smile, you know
Peace and calm
And she’d want you to carry it on
Throughout the land
Carry it on, precious, carry it on
JEN A.
JEN A.
January 6-20, 2021 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | PAGE 15
ANGELA H.
