My Grandmother, She Had a Way
Grandmother, in loving memory…
My Grandmother, she had a way-
beautiful
’til her dying day.
She used to say, she’d live forever…
‘So long as my eyes can see,
and my hands can feel
the warmth of good soil.’
Towards the end…
I bathed her frail, slender body
her translucent skin, so delicate-
so easily bruised…
like the petal of a white rose.
I sensed her uneasiness…
needing me there
feeling vulnerable, helpless
one breast left…
but I only saw her timeless beauty-
her strength, and nothing less.
The loss of her independence
overtook her…
the inability to care for herself
to kneel in her garden…
look to the sky-
admire the marvel of an airplane
flying by.
Her love of cooking and caring
for others…
making smiles with her cherry pie.
How she tried to show me-
her pinches of this
and smidgens of that…
but my pie still cries, for her magic
her knowing touch.
I miss her reminiscing…
her pride of being an ‘Okie’
The Dust Bowl…
the impact of The Great Depression.
Her young life
on a farm with eight siblings-
losing one, very young
the true meaning of hardship
embroidered into her simple ways.
I thank the stars for cosmic days…
when I am graced
by the aroma of her subtle presence
breezing behind…
Her light perfume, dusting my senses
to a smile…
knowing she’s still there-
combing her forever auburn hair
with a sparkle in her emerald eyes
reminding me…
to hold close, the precious gift of sight
and so much more…
to be safe, on the other side.
My Grandmother, she had a way-
beautiful
’til her dying day.
She used to say, she’d live forever…
She was right.
I gravitate towards rhyming verse, free of any constraints, and strive to create an experience through sound, flow, and imagery. I am a writer at Allpoetry.com. and a proud Mother of two beautiful boys.
Thank you for visiting.
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Mel, this verse has deeply touched my heart and soul. I wrote a tribute to my Mother when she was dying, I was with her during her last minutes and sat by her after she was gone. I felt the peace in her spirit and knew she was okay. Your verse about your Grandmother brought all that time back to me and it is now a tender and cherished memory. Thank you for this lovely tribute to your Grandmother – I can tell through you that she was a lovely and remarkable woman. Great work.
Thank you Phyllis, I’m pleased that I could shine a light on her, and that you could relate to such tender moments. Our loved ones always live on inside our hearts.
Best,
Mel
Mel, an absolutely beautiful poem and tribute to a wonderful soul and life well lived. A very touching and personal verse filled with vivid memories and the last line just reminds us all that love never fades and life is eternal. Wonderful work Mel. Love it!
Thank you Tony, yes love is everlasting. She had a life well lived and worth remembering. Appreciate it. 🙂
Best,
Mel
Very touching, reading it brought a tear and a smile….. no better tribute. Love the memories of those we loved and that have passed. With our memories they are never truly gone. Thank you touching my life this morning.
Thank you Kurt, and you’re welcome. Pleased I could touch a chord, or two. Appreciate your thoughtfulness. 🙂
Best,
Mel
“My Grandmother, she had a way- beautiful ’til her dying day.” I think that sums up your poem, Mel. Nicely done and a wonderful tribute to, I’m sure, a wonderful lady.
Thank you William, so nice to see you. Hope you are well.
Best,
Mel
An incredible tribute to a wonderful Grandma. Well done. Cherry pie…I am sold. Jamie
Thank you Jamie, she did make the very best, not too sweet, not too tart…appreciate your read. 🙂
Beautiful memories…sweet melancholy…thank you for sharing a piece of your grandmother with us.
Hello William, you are welcome. So glad that you stopped by. I appreciate your kind words.
Best,
Mel
Beautiful…and you are so right, they are never gone as long as we live to remember them.
Yes, thank you Jackie…they are forever with us. Appreciate your visit.
Best,
Mel