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Open Poetry #25
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At Great Grandma's Knee
| Open Poetry #25 |
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At Great Grandma's Knee |
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SPIRIT Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745California Desert |
AT GREAT GRANDMA'S KNEE I sit on the floor, By Great Grandma's chair, I have shouldered her shawl, And combed her hair. She's close to a hundred, Petite in size, And her eyes are as blue As the summer skies. As I hold her hand, Her grip is strong, It has not been this way, For oh! So long. Her sweet precious face Is lit up and smiling, Tho' wrinkled and old, She looks quite beguiling. She speaks in a voice That rings true and clear, And the change, for the better, Is very dear. "How glad I am child, That you came today, I don't want to tire you, But I need my say. I know what I tell you, You’ve heard before, Trust me, my love, I don't mean to bore." In silence, I sit and squeeze, Gently, her hand, Go on and talk, Is my silent command. She sighs and gives me A look of relief, Dabs at her eyes With a lace handkerchief. "Davey, dear Davey, The love of my life, He was my first husband, I, his one wife." She looks at me closely, To read my face, Continue, it says; Don’t lose your place. "He'd come into town On an old dappled roan, For all of eight years He’d traveled alone. Tall and rangy, With hair auburn red, He was humored and clever, And a lot underfed, I saw him first From the corner of my eye, And my virginal heartbeat Did signify, That this stranger to town Was surely, to be mine, He was God's gift to me, My own valentine. He was a young preacher Seeking his mission, To disciple to others Was his main ambition. Momma and Poppa Shook their heads in despair, 'Cause to my rich beaus’ in town He just didn't compare. We were married, the first day Of a glorious spring, And to this day I still wear And cherish his ring. I was seventeen and Davey Was just twenty-five And the first time in our lives, We felt truly alive. Preacher Davey was what He liked to be called, And my poor parents' were So completely appalled, When Davey was sure he'd been Voiced by the Lord, Telling him to go forth, West, to spread His Word. I was young, in love, To please Davey I was eager, Excited by the adventure, Full of vim, full of vinegar. So we packed up a wagon, Joined up with a train, I never could, never will, Forget my parent's pain. I was their only child I had been given the best, And here I was, packing Scant belongings, heading West. I hugged them good-bye, cried, Said I'd write soon as I could, Davey, he promised them, He’d make sure that I would. My entire life till then, I left back in the East, But not one regret Did I have in the least. Our wagon was filled With new pots and pans, Boxes of Bibles, To fulfill Davey's plan. My Momma filled a chest With my gowns of silk And my Poppa had bought us, A brown cow, for milk. We were laden with food, And my parent’s good wishes, And nestled in cotton Were Grandma’s best dishes. A rocking chair and dresser In sturdy gold maples, And loads of other stuff, Momma called staples. We had pallets for beds, We kept rolled on the side, And barrels for water, And a hard bench to ride. Our horses were friendly And used to the pull Of a wagon that was loaded Fuller than full. I don't want to complain That the going was rough, But this genteel young lady Sure learnt to be tough. The mesquities, the sun, The lack of good water, Lost wagons, lost friends, Made one think that one ought to Maybe turn back, head East, Go on home, But I knew with Davey, I would stay, I would roam. When night fell, In Davey's arms I would lay, He was tender, kind, Chased my fears away. Never was a man So pure, or so good, Never a bad word, On God's principals he stood. Didn't matter to him, If you believed the good word, Ministering to others Was his just reward. We saw some Indians, But they stayed away, And the coyotes, we set fires To keep them at bay. We saw raccoons, and skunk, And all sorts of critters, And two bitch dogs Supplied the train with some litters. The eagles they flew and soared High in the sky, Immeasurable wingspan, Fly! Fly! Fly! We traveled through So many strange places, And in the course of the trip We’d add new faces, Davey was strong, faithful In the ways of the Lord, Said that in time we would gain Our reward, Of a piece of land, and church, To call our own, And a family, spirit filled To add to our home. My Davey, dear Davey, Ministered to all, I started and taught A small Sunday school, We had finally got close To where we were going, It's such a long time, And my mind is slowing. We'd circled our wagons, Stopped for the day, We were going to party The whole night away. The evenings, cooler, Gave cause to celebrate, And I dressed for Davey, Like a first date. The wagon master was happy To have such a treat, The scout, absent, Had been gone for nearly a week. Suddenly we heard Miss Ellie Mae scream, 'Twas my Davey Who was first on the scene. On a rock, disturbed, Angry, ready to strike, Was a big old rattler, His victim, young Mike. My man threw himself 'Twixt child and snake, He grit his teeth, Not a sound did he make. The snake slid away, With no glance around, Whilst my Davey lay dying, There, on the ground. They tried to save him, All worked so hard, In the end, their efforts They had to discard. I sat down beside him, Holding his hand, Don't leave me Davey, In this strange land. Barely able to move, He whispered my name, He comforted me, In spite of his pain. 'Don't cry my love, The Lord has called me, My earth time is thru, This you must see. I don't know when, But we have a date I'll be there to meet you At the Golden Gate, I will live forever, Deep within your heart, Never, but never darling, Will we be apart. I kissed him good-bye On his swollen lips, Then everything went dark, Like a sun eclipse. I had the men dig him A grave really deep, I wanted no wild animals To ruin his sleep. We piled it with boulders And a cross made of wood, And I prayed ‘Dear God, To his soul please be good’. Five years, lonesome years, Before I married again, To a very fine man, Your Great Grand-daddy Ben. Oh! Child I loved him, He too, was gentle and kind, I was not 'In love with him', He knew, didn't mind. I surely have rambled, I've just talked so much, Hold my hand much tighter, I need to feel your touch. I am excited, so excited, For today I have a date, I'm going to have to leave dear, You see, I can’t be late.” She closes her eyes, smiles, Gives a gentle sigh, As I sit at her knee and watch Great Grandma die. I be me BUT who does me be? |
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| © Copyright 2003 das - All Rights Reserved | |||
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the_loner_23 Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
This was an awesome story. So touching. Cold hands means a warm heart |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Das, I cried all throughout this heartwrenching story, sweet friend, it saddened me so much to see Davey die from the rattler bite and the grandmother, oh Das, I certainly hope this doesn't relate to your life story but if this is biographical my heart goes out to you and I send many angel hugs to give you warmth and comfort! (wipes tears) I could see all the colors of the canyon reading this, this certainly has to be in the book, my vote is cast, hip-hip hooray, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Das, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." Shakira [This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (02-16-2003 12:09 AM).] |
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SPIRIT Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745California Desert |
This is strictly imagination, thanks for the nice words. Appreciated. |
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cupcake Member
since 2003-01-05
Posts 116 |
I think this is too long for the book but I love it and vote on it anyway. I'm a reader - not a writer. |
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SPIRIT Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745California Desert |
Whoops! Scratch this then. My secret is out - I am very, very bad at reading the 'small print'. Thanks for the nice words anyway. I be me BUT who does me be? |
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Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
Spirit, I don't care about the small print and I wouldn't have shortened this one a bit. I really hope this one makes the book in spite of it's length. The merits.... what a wonderful testament to a life fully lived and the gift of this story to a cherished great grand daughter. I learned my great grandmother's history long before she passed away...... I think this should make the pages because it teaches us that we should never discount the "ramblings" of our elders. They all have a rich, mainly unwritten history to relate.... before it's to late. (sorry, I needed to rhyme there) Sherry Cherish the good memories of the past and look forward to the adventure called Tomorrow. But above all... be kind to yourself today. |
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lorenlynn Member
since 2003-01-27
Posts 203California Beaches |
Glad to hear someone else admit to not reading rules and regulations properly, that is something I can really relate to. This is awesome, I stayed with it from beginning to end in spite of length and was happy to have done so. Regardless of length I'm voting on it. Wisdom comes with winters. ** Oscar Wilde. |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Spirit, this poem, even with it's length, kept me captivated the first time I read it in the forums....just as i did this time I read it. I really hope it gets enough votes to go into the book. It's an absolutely wonderful story. I'd like to read a book you wrote yourself....  "Love makes the world go around" |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
What a beautiful story, Spirit. I loved the depth and detail you captured within this.  Best wishes, /Kit |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
stories from grandparents are the greatest thing to listen to. I myself can recall all the stories of the Depression, and trips to school in the snow, and every week as they went to church in the horse and buggy... Such tender truth you've captured here. Grandma's and great grandma's are wonderful Always, Alyssa - And so it was that time stood still - |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
What a wonderful storyteller you are! (I read that this was from your imagination) For what it is worth, I am very impressed with this fine piece of writing! Warm hugs, EA |
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Lighthousebob Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725California |
So glad that I stepped out of "Spiriual" for a short walk and so happened upon your poem here. I agree with all of the above replies that this is a wonderful story full of life and everything that life has to offer. Good job and God bless. -Bob |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Spirit, I am very glad this was one you chose to submit...I thought it wonderful when I first read it, and was glad to see it now...can't wait to hold it in my hands... |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I loved this when I read it in open... and love it even more with repeated readings! *S* |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Excellent choice Spirit! Gets my vote! ~ Trace my body with your words.. |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
you have my vote too Charisma |
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SPIRIT Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745California Desert |
I really appreciate all the nice comments on this way toooooooooo long piece. Thank you. I be me BUT who does me be? |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
This is remarkable....I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS POEM!!!!! OH THIS HAS TO BE IN THE BOOK....IT'S JUST GOTTA BE!!! I'm bumping this right back to the top..... Spirit...this is GREAT!!!! What a wonderful story this is!!!!!  Bridgette  |
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Jason Lyle Senior Member
since 2003-02-07
Posts 1438With my darkling |
And you know you have my vote, friend. This is beautiful. Jason |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
You know I like this one. Joyce |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Just a bump..... |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
Spirit I'd cry if i was human, absolutely beautiful words [This message has been edited by Aenimal (02-23-2003 01:59 PM).] |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I have a book that is all stories and poems I have printed on lovely paper for my grandchildren to appreciate when they get older, and this lovely story has just been printed to be in that book (full credit of course,) and a story like this one is never long enough! |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
A beautiful story, but wow! you're even more longwinded than Balladeer and I (smiling) Gets my vote!! |
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SPIRIT Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745California Desert |
You are right - longwinded for sure, I thought after I maybe could have combined lines - two on one. Thanks everyone for nice remarks. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
This is a wonderful story, SPIRIT... told with so much emotion... I enjoyed..  |
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Flower Member
since 2003-03-15
Posts 240California |
Very long but a story worth reading. Great! |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Out of all your submissions this one is my very favorite..... Bridgette "Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown |
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Jason Lyle Senior Member
since 2003-02-07
Posts 1438With my darkling |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
A bump for you! If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Ringo
since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684Saluting with misty eyes |
One of my favorite things to do with the Marine Corps League is to go into the Vet's Homes and the Rest Homes and to spend the day listening to the same old stories again, and again, and again... Giving these treasure chests of American and world history a few moments of your time to give them peace of mind before their final voyage is better than any of the other gifts we could even dream up. Great job. Imagine all the People living life in peace... |
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waldopepper Member
since 2003-03-18
Posts 157Tennessee, USA |
Heartwarming, touching story you weave here my friend. Very well done. |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
SPIRIT~You tell a beautiful story of love and hardships that many of our relatives had to go through with a tender touch. The ending was sad but beautiful as well...Paul "To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you" |
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