Tag Archives: grandparents

the Rocking Chair


Someone told the story about their grandfather’s love for his wife. She passed first from this deadly virus. He passed a few months later from heartbreak. I was so moved and it prompted me to write this poem as a memorial. God bless their souls and may their memories be a blessing. As of today 216,000 people are dead. More than 25,000 more can potentially die if the deaths continue at the rate of 1000 deaths daily by election day. Please vote!

It sits there waiting for him to come back,

He who loved it best

will never return to it again,

to share his joys

in silence, and sometimes

whisper his long held secrets.

Like how he should have let her win the argument

she was so passionate about.

Like how he ate the tofu but he really hated it.

He gave that rocking chair a special purpose.

It rocked him to sleep when he missed her the most,

and could not bare to sleep in the bed they shared for so many years.

It tolerated his snoring when she could not.

It did not complain when he packed his three grandchildren on to it.

He loved their hugs and kisses so much.

The rocking chair brought him peace.

He loved its attention;

and often was the sole witness

as he smiled

when his dreams were the sweet dreams

that brought her back to him.

Grandparents Day –


Today is National Grandparents Day. It is a day to remember perhaps the eldest family member. It is an opportunity to remember those who have passed as well. I met only one grandparent. My maternal grandmother was an extraordinary lady. She was widowed young and raised four daughters on her own. I remember her stories most of all. I spent most of the summer vacations with her so I was always asking for her to tell me about my grandfather and other family members I had not met.

Here is my poem in honor of my late Grandmother:

We called you mother

sometimes I wondered why

But as I grew older I understood

the importance of your legacy

You taught me about love

You taught me about patience

You taught me by setting the example

You taught me to love nature

You used language eloquently

your voice calmed

your gentle touch soothed

My mother reminded me of you

You taught her how to love me

and for that I am grateful.

Six Months Old


August 16, 2015

 

Our hearts leap up when we behold

Our granddaughter’s bright blue eyes

She captivates just about everyone who sees her

As does the rainbow in the sky

 

Our hearts leap up when we behold

Our Josephina Joan

She’ll never know how much joy she’s brought us all

Since the day that she was born

 

Our hearts leap up every time we hear

Her sweet and hearty little chuckle

It’s all that abuela and abuelo need

To make their knees go a buckle

 

So has it been for six months now

So will it be forever and ever

Josephina Joan,

You are our precious little treasure.

 

Happy One Half Year!

Love,

Abuelo and Abuela