Artwork by Autumn Riddle
Glaswegian Grandmother
The grandmother born in Scotland said, "too
good to be true" was just that. Her instruction cut through
wishful thinking, lotteries, prayer, astrology—leaving few
illusions. The important task: to not misconstrue
reality, or be lulled by it into forgetting that it will undo
your life without warning. Don't think you can woo
it to your side, or, if you manage to, look out for any clue
of imminent fickleness. Be ready for the other shoe
which will drop eventually. What does such vigilance do
to a child? At an early age, though clever, I knew
I wasn't clever enough. Modesty grew
into respect for means over uncertain ends. To be true
in small things was how merit would accrue,
and with it increasing ability to not overestimate your due.
