Ode to a good soul, departed

63

By Zollstock

Ladybugs ... her favorite. And ours.
Ladybugs ... her favorite. And ours.

Celebrating my grandma's birthday today ... a little differently.

Soft, sweet-scented hands

caressing our foreheads

brushing our hair

drawing letters on our backs,

the alphabet guessing game.

Wide arms, always open

welcoming hugs

miserable good-byes

oodles of affection

in between.

Gray eyes, so kind

often veiled

quiet shadows passing

when we had to leave

hidden sadness.

Shuffling feet, moaning

heavy steps

each one a challenge

a mountain to climb

walking slowed to a crawl.

Warm breasts, covered

flowery kitchen apron

billowing, inviting us

to stay and eat

to feel safe.

Voice with timbre

tickled words by our earlobes

enchanted stories

shared during wee morning hours

love departed through words.

Marvelous heart,

open, gigantic

embracing one and all

glued us together

even after she left.

Comments

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Level 8 Commenter 2 years ago

Oh this is so beautiful! You put something into words that not only honors your dear grandmother, but many others as well. Thanks!

Gypsy Willow profile image

Gypsy Willow Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago

Zollstock, that is a beautiful poem full of warmth . My grandson loved the lady bugs too, also our favorite.

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago

I can see and feel her physical presence, it seems you have happy memories around your grandparents. This is nicely done.

Zollstock profile image

Zollstock Hub Author 2 years ago

Peggy W -- Thanks so much. Maybe I should rename the hub to "Ode to all dear grandmothers"?

Gypsy Willow -- Thank you kindly. There are days when I miss her warmth in my life so much I can feel her presence again.

Alexander Mark -- I definitely have incredibly happy memories of this grandma. She's taught me, unknowingly, by just being herself, the importance of family. Everyone needs to have at least one person like this in their life. Thanks for checking in!

Linda Myshrall profile image

Linda Myshrall Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

I'm not sure how you did it, but I was smiling and shed a single tear at the same time. Your piece evoked memories of another fine lady, now long gone, but not forgotten. That was marvelous.

And, thanks for the memories.

Zollstock profile image

Zollstock Hub Author 2 years ago

Linda, Thank you, thank you. Some smiles simply have to come with tears, as do memories.

ljrc1961 profile image

ljrc1961 Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

Just lovely; thank you for sharing. I am a poet too and love your use of metaphors and similes. Beautiful.

Zollstock profile image

Zollstock Hub Author 2 years ago

ljrc1961 -- Thanks for that very kind feedback. I hadn't heard the terms "metaphor" and "simile" in quite a while -- I write what feels right at the moment.

Cris A profile image

Cris A Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

Loved every line. This has a very visual effect. Yes, you painted a picture of your granny with words. Wonderful! Thanks for sharing ;D

Tom Cornett profile image

Tom Cornett Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

Your poem is a beautiful gift...grandmothers are wonderful! :)

Zollstock profile image

Zollstock Hub Author 2 years ago

@Cris: Thanks for stopping by. She was pure inspiration and personified "love" - I'm glad that shone through.

@Tom: They are! Some of us are lucky enough to have had their influence in our lives. Thanks for commenting, Tom.

DustinsMom profile image

DustinsMom 2 years ago

What a beautiful tribute to your Grandma. Beautiful words, tahnk you for sharing.

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