navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #9 » Grandfather's Gifts
Open Poetry #9
Post A Reply Post New Topic Grandfather's Gifts Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

0 posted 2000-08-31 10:26 PM


Grandfather's Gifts

certain memories
of long trips to L.A.
although we once lived there
I only remember
visiting when we
had to travel so far
and when I would
see the huge Donut
I knew you were
just a few blocks
away…the Donut
sign was my landmark

"Grandfather's close"

all I have are photographs of
when you held me,
the rest of my early memories
were of you in a wheelchair
or in a bed

but I remember your garage,
your work area…so neat
so clean, so "principled"
for you had that kind of mind

I loved to listen to you and
my dad talk softly

I recall the phonograph
made with your hands
from bits and pieces
and all of my 45's
sounded as well as 45's
could sound
back in the 50's
but your talents made
them a symphony

there was a favorite place
in a cabinet in
your home
that held little treasures
for when we visited

I loved best the
hand puppets of
Kukla and Ollie
they were so soft
and fit my hand so well

then you and I
would watch "I Love Lucy"
until you were too tired
to hold me on your
short lap with no
legs

gangrene had set in from
a small cut
on your ankle
and they ended up taking
most of your leg ~

it was eventually
what took
you away from
any grownup memories
you and I might have
shared

there was a favorite
area in your home where the
blinds let in light
so dust motes could
dance,

and another favorite
area outside between
the brick wall and ivy
green leaf blanket that
afforded a little
blonde haired
girl
a place to play and
make mud pies and use
snails as walnuts.

So, Grandfather, although
I had chickenpox the summer
of 1961 when Mom was
running back and forth,
181 miles from our
home to your hospital
and she had to tell a
sick little girl that
her granddad had
died,

what I remember is a
hand made record-player,
Kukla, Fran and Ollie,
I Love Lucy,
mudpies and snails,
the smell of your
aftershave,
and
dust motes
of dreams.

In Memory of Charles Givens



Karilea
When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ


© Copyright 2000 Karilea Rilling Jungel - All Rights Reserved
Sven
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
1 posted 2000-08-31 10:57 PM


A touching portrait. . . a moving tribute. . .

Just wonderful my friend. . .

-------------------------------------------------

That which gives light must endure burning
--Victor Frankl


Alle'cram
Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816
Texas
2 posted 2000-08-31 11:49 PM


sigh! ..but also happy are your memories.
a artist you are & this piece proves it. Excellent and so enjoyed the read. Love,marcy

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
3 posted 2000-09-01 12:30 PM


Such lovely memories to hold on to.  You never cease to amaze me in your writes.  
Sunnyone
Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334
Staffordshire, England
4 posted 2000-09-01 12:48 PM



Hello my sis,
              As I read, I remembered my own grandfather, and the little things that I will always treasure about him. Thank you for this wonderful writing, as it brought back such good memories!!


Today is a gift....
That is why they call it
'the Present'!



Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
5 posted 2000-09-01 12:55 PM


This is beautiful, sunshine. I, too, can remember telltale signs that let me now when we were getting close to grandpa's house....and I certainly admire anyone who can remember Kukla, Fran and Ollie!!! Not many of us around, I don;t think  

I love the poem  

Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
6 posted 2000-09-01 06:39 AM


Affected!
Touched!
Moved!
Felt!
...
..
.
are but mere words incapable to express the sensations inside this heart... thanks for stirring them...

a great, great tribute...

regards O Karilea,
sudhir

[This message has been edited by Sudhir Iyer (edited 09-01-2000).]

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2000-09-01 09:06 AM


Sven, I do believe he looks down and would have approved...thank you...

Marcy, those are the kindest words, I will hold them dear, thank you...

Mark, I've been watching you, too...shall we continue to surprise each other?...

Sunny1, I am so glad to know that you enjoyed this along with me...

'Deer, you suppose we are that old? I do remember the bells on my little dragon friend...

Sudhir, your mere words are always welcome as are you, my friend...thank you!

Romy
Senior Member
since 2000-05-28
Posts 1170
Plantation, Florida
8 posted 2000-09-01 09:12 AM


This is lovely, thank-you for sharing a moment of your past!
Debbie

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
9 posted 2000-09-01 09:15 AM


Oh, this is a remarkable piece that certainly touches many of us with memories of our grandfather. This is a very heartwarming and memorable tribute
Liz

BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919
New York, USA
10 posted 2000-09-01 11:45 AM


Karilea, What a beautiful tribute you have written of those precious childhood memories we all hold so dear.  Now, as far as using snails for walnuts......well, wish I'd thought of that, they wouldn't have been nearly as boring as the pebbles I used.  And tell me, who are Kukla, Fran & Ollie (haha). Bonnie
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
11 posted 2000-09-01 01:57 PM


Debbie, you are more than welcome...

Thank you Elizabeth...I think I can safely say he was beyond his time...although I haven't written that poem yet...

Bonnie, I had the first animated walnuts...and if you really want me to remind you all about Ollie, I will...

Karilea
When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ


Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
12 posted 2000-09-01 02:38 PM


Sunshine--What a lovely trip you have taken me on...so many familiar feelings enveloped me while reading this...yes, I know the donut well ...and Kukla, Fran and Ollie. This was a beautiful tribute to your grandfather.
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
13 posted 2000-09-01 02:47 PM


Martie - you know The Donut? What a great landmark! I do believe it is gone now...as are some of the better things in life, but I am glad you enjoyed this, and our mutual memories!
Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #9 » Grandfather's Gifts

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary