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These Four Walls

Decades have clocked past since we were capped by roof 
As you take your children down the history without and in us
We fondly and times somberly reminisce with you 
When it was just dad, mum and three carefree children 
Now we hold faces of ten -
Mature features of the kids parented within us

How we miss the innocent shrieks of month-olds
The laughter and playful nature your siblings and you shared
Phases changed, wrinkles formed, and one by one, bid bye
The hollow you guys left still is ocean deep 
Your occasional visits became occasional fills 

You talk of mum’s discipline that we know too well;
That she would become this soft someday, we too couldn't have guessed
How your eyes brighten as you elaborate her nightly stitch work!
To testify we can – her now cracking joints are fruits of care, hard at work then 

You fondly recall father’s silent ways of achievement, 
How he taught not through words but by action
We sigh with you to shake off miss’s hard grasp
Feeling your deep regret that not you all, could be as him

The green, brown, gray, yellow hues as well, we picture
 Yes, you did drag your feet to the fields before sun said hi
Yet beams you all were when “healthy colors” repaid your hard toil on the soil  
How sad those glorious seasons come by rarely 

Memory of the first grandchild is a treasure
The dozens more, we call them blessings
Great grandchildren, how they rejuvenate us with their plays! 
Your older sibling would have loved these moments

History’s trickle has to come to a halt, as responsibilities call 
With the farewells, loneliness is ushered, but hey…that’s just life 
We remain standing, gazing with you at the fading figures of your loved ones
Glad for your presence and hopefully awaiting another visit
To go down this inexhaustible memory lane 



©GraceM Composition


Contest:4 Walls (by CT)

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