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Open Poetry #10
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2000-10-27 06:18 PM


The Picture  Book


Do not weep for me, my child
For life has passed on through
Like springtime fragrance in the breeze
With just a storm or two

When you look at my face today
You’ll see my yesterdays
My eyes are mirrors of the past
Not only of today

Come sit beside me for a while
And let me tell you more
I’ll show you something wonderful
You’ve never seen before

I took an album from the shelf
And  let her take a look
I wrapped my arm arround her
As we opened up the book

Step by step, I took her through
The journey of my life
From early childhood wonder days
To womanhood and wife

Though very old, the photographs
Showed more than I could say
The hardships of a life afar
That made us go away

She saw a little girl in braids
Who’d just come to this land
Holding dearly to a dream
And mother’s tender hand

She saw my school friends close to me
In laughter and embrace
A silly grin of innocence
Upon each youngster’s face

Christmas trees and birthday cakes
Picnics on the beach
And simple things that somewhere slipped
Beyond the common reach

And then she saw him standing there
Handsome , young and tall
With eyes that glowed, a warming smile
The same as I recall

This is your grandfather I said
She sat back in surprise
Where do you think you ever got
Those lovely sparkling eyes

That curly hair, your dimpled cheek
The music in your heart
It came from him and from his side
You never more will part

He still is watching over you
In tempests of the night
And when I’m gone, my lovely child
I’ll be your guiding light

My granddaughter then kissed my cheek
And said, I’ll cry no more
For I have seen the happiness
That graced your life before

I never understood til now
With illness you endure
Why you are always smiling
Each day so insecure

As she got up to leave the room
She turned around to say
I see the beauty in your face
Of every yesterday

Elizabeth Santos


[This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (edited 10-27-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
1 posted 2000-10-27 06:29 PM


Elizabeth~
Some poetry is read once and enjoyed.
This is not one of those.
This has the appeal to last a hundred years or more.

What a tender, tender slice of your heart.
Thank you for sharing such an intimate moment.
Love n' hugs.
~*Marge*~


~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
2 posted 2000-10-27 06:36 PM


Liz--This is indeed strung with tenderness, and told with heart and wisdom in that wonderful Liz way...
Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
3 posted 2000-10-27 08:44 PM


My goodness Elizabeth, I found this so heart warming and touching, as I read it. Your writings are always so well done.

Bill

Ron K. Fox
Senior Member
since 2000-10-24
Posts 925

4 posted 2000-10-27 08:46 PM


You do write such beautiful gifts. this is one that should be shared by all.
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

5 posted 2000-10-27 08:53 PM


I've read this over and over, Elizabeth, with tears in my eyes. So very touching, as much to be treasured as that Picture Book.

Denise

Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
6 posted 2000-10-28 12:06 PM


Liz - I join Marge and Denise - they speak for me -timeless and tear evoking - such a talent you have

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
7 posted 2000-10-29 07:15 AM


What a lovely gift you gave your granddaughter... a heritage of love! Thank you for sharing this beauty with us!
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
8 posted 2000-10-29 07:44 AM


I know I do not need to ask permission that I might place this in my library, but I do have to confer with Ron on how to best place a Gold Star to guide us to those poems that articulate best all of you...

Karilea
If I whisper, will you listen?...KRJ



BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919
New York, USA
9 posted 2000-10-29 07:54 AM


Liz ~ I am left with no words to tell you how beautiful this is... So precious the memories, such wisdom in your words.  You have surely touched my heart ... Bonnie
vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
10 posted 2000-11-09 02:28 AM



Liz-
   i am in awe of this.  
   it is absolutely beautiful.  
   at the risk of sounding like
   so many others, i must agree
   that this is a truly timeless
   piece that will be enjoyed
   for years to come.  
   you have such a wonderful talent...thank
   you so much for using your gift to
   share a piece of your heart with us.  
   i truly love this.  

   hugs,
   -vicky




"...until you have read the verse on his
heart, you have not truely met the poet."
-vlraynes



ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
11 posted 2000-11-09 02:37 AM


Elizabeth you paint the pictures of reflections better than anyone I know....as usual I thought this was outstanding...such a wonderful message, marvelous feelings, tenderness and a grandmother's love so strong after all the ups and downs that life has to offer.....this is precious to say the least and as Marge says it could be read a hundred times and still be great.
take care...ethome...........

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
12 posted 2000-11-09 07:07 AM


Marge, Your words are endearing and I thank you for the lovely comment

Martie, Thanks, my dear

Bill, Your comments are warming

Ron, Thank you so much


Denise, Your comments are touching. i'm glad you loked it

Bill, Thank you , sir, I always appreciate your comments

suthrn, Thanks, dear, for your kind comments

Sushine, what a sweet thing to say, my face is beaming

Bonnie, You do have such a tender heart, thank you for those thoughts

Vicky, Look like you're bringing poems out of the woodwork. Thank you very much for reading and commenting, something that I cannot do right now. I appreciate your comments

ethome, Thank you for your kind words, and I must say you have posted some wonderful poems lately, though I can't always comment, I have read them. It's so nice to have you back. Thank you very much for reading

Liz

[This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (edited 11-09-2000).]

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
13 posted 2000-11-09 10:13 AM


Elizabeth,
A charming wonderful poem as only you could write it. Love Sy

Elizabeth Cor
Senior Member
since 2000-10-13
Posts 879
Over the river and through the woods
14 posted 2000-11-09 11:34 AM


Liz, this is darling. What a beauitufl sentiment, and a lovely story... thank you for sharing this verse, and thank you for sharing with us, over and over, your amazing gift!

~ Beth

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