Poem by April Frances Federico

A Letter From My Grandmother

It was one small note that had started it all— it read

“dearest April Frances,

I went on a walk the other day in my fluorescent pink shoes—

something that you probably don’t have.

Dearest April Frances,

I do hope you are doing well at Roger Williams.

Something that you probably don’t have

Is a Grandmother to come see you.

I do hope you are doing well at Roger Williams.

I know it must get very lonely when all you need

is a grandmother to come see you,

because I am here and Carmen’s mother is dead.

I know it must get very lonely when all you need

is a boy to come see you

because I am here and Carmen’s mother is dead,

but your mom says you love it there and friends to keep you sane.

A boy to come see you—

Ha! I only loved one man in my lifetime.

But your mom says you love it there and friends to keep you sane.

Oh, honey, you are excelling, indeed.

Ha! I only loved one man in my lifetime,

but us Macaulay women are independent

Oh, honey, you are excelling, indeed.

I also hear you work your little patootie off both in the school and in Providence.

But us Macaulay women are independent—

I’ve been spending my days doing crafts and have had a few glasses of red wine.

I also hear you work your little patootie off both in the school and in Providence.

Won’t you stop by someday?

I’ve been spending my days doing crafts and had a few glasses of red wine.

It’ll drive your mom crazy but

won’t you stop by someday?

My dearest, April, I wish you the best. May you carry your grandmother’s name with pride—not vain.

Well, maybe just a little vanity—

you are my redheaded granddaughter after all

and the only one who is doing so well.”

April Frances Federico is an up-and-coming poet, journalist, activist, and visual artist. She has a specific ardor for women's rights and Title IX issues. She is a huge literature nerd studying Creative Writing with minors in Arts Management and Visual Arts at Roger Williams University. She is also the voice behind The April Diaries and her work has been published in Rose Quartz, Ayaskala, honey & lime lit, Kissing Dynamite, Satin Soulbits, and HEAL(er) Mag.