Martha Bennett King (1902-1994)

Big Marty

That's what they called her

It was, of course,

To differ Cousin Marty from

Big Marty

Two separate beings with one

Name

She was aged and wrinkled, yet

She was an idol

At least in her great-granddaughter's

Five-year-old eyes

It didn't matter

That she was on a train

In Europe

Being chased

By Communists

This great-granddaughter

She was five when Big Marty

Died

She can't remember crying over

Dead Marty

But she had loved her

Every night Great-Granddaughter

Set the table carefully

Placing Big Marty's napkin holder

Next to hers

She remembers once

She was sent to her room and slept

All though supper

And when she awoke she cried

She had missed her dinner with

Big Marty