My Grandmother, She Had a Way

Grandmother, in loving memory…

Grandmother, She Had a Way

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.

Melissa Hougard
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Melissa Hougard

I have always enjoyed writing as a creative and healing outlet. Although I am not a formally trained poet, I have found a natural inclination to explore its remarkable power and beauty. 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.

14 thoughts on “My Grandmother, She Had a Way

  • August 11, 2016 at 12:41 PM
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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.

    • August 11, 2016 at 4:30 PM
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      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

  • August 11, 2016 at 7:53 PM
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    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!

    • August 12, 2016 at 12:02 PM
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      Thank you Tony, yes love is everlasting. She had a life well lived and worth remembering. Appreciate it. 🙂

      Best,
      Mel

  • August 12, 2016 at 6:03 AM
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    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.

    • August 12, 2016 at 12:04 PM
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      Thank you Kurt, and you’re welcome. Pleased I could touch a chord, or two. Appreciate your thoughtfulness. 🙂

      Best,
      Mel

  • September 17, 2016 at 4:43 PM
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    “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.

    • September 17, 2016 at 11:47 PM
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      Thank you William, so nice to see you. Hope you are well.

      Best,
      Mel

  • September 17, 2016 at 11:46 PM
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    Thank you Jamie, she did make the very best, not too sweet, not too tart…appreciate your read. 🙂

  • September 19, 2016 at 3:46 PM
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    Beautiful memories…sweet melancholy…thank you for sharing a piece of your grandmother with us.

    • September 19, 2016 at 3:56 PM
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      Hello William, you are welcome. So glad that you stopped by. I appreciate your kind words.

      Best,
      Mel

    • October 8, 2016 at 10:09 PM
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      Yes, thank you Jackie…they are forever with us. Appreciate your visit.

      Best,
      Mel

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