Usually, I am unaffected by a celebrity’s death. I think it’s because I do not have a personal relationship with them. I feel sad but have little sense of loss for myself, more loss for the world in which they belonged, especially when the person who died made valuable contributions. But, in the passage of time, as I get older, more and more iconic celebrities pass away. Betty White lived a long life. She was 99 years old upon her death last week, just shy of her 100th birthday that was to come later this month. For some reason, she reminds me of my maternal grandmother who had a sense of humor (not like Betty’s, of course) but was a very kind lady, too. She also had a January birthday. She died years ago, in her early nineties, but I spend a lot of thinking about her. I believe I owe at least some of my creative spirit to her, as she was an accomplished seamstress.
On this Poetry Friday, I wrote a tribute poem to Betty and asked permission from my son, who is an artist, to post the painting he made of her last week, also as a tribute.
A Tribute to Betty White
Your eyes shown until the last, Making us remember how laughter came fast. A long career in the public eye, Kept you busy, young, and spry. Beloved characters, from T.V., not plays We all have a favorite from those days. A Golden Girl you will always be, Now joining your sisters in heaven with glee. Your legacy is already upon us, As pets are adopted with new love, thus You will be remembered as a model for all Your kindness and humor becomes our call. © Draft, Carol Labuzzetta, 2022 Today is Poetry Friday with Carol V. as our host at her Beyond LiteracyLink blog. Carol is an author, poet, and teacher with whom I feel a special kinship, probably, in part due to sharing the same first name. She has been an integral and supportive part of my writing journey. Thanks for hosting Carol and for all you do for literacy!
The Apples in My Orchard 
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