Flagpole Annie

My grandma was a steeple jack, 
Of heights she had no fear.
The crowds would gather round to watch.
They came from far and near, 
 
To see her swing and pirouette, 
Doff her hat and wave.
And gasped and cheered each time she feigned
A slip and then a save.
 
Roof-toppers winced and bit their lips,
Tight rope walkers screamed. 
Treetop loggers looked away 
At the daring they were seeing.
 
Women gasped and children shrieked,
Fearful she would fall,
But at full ascent a massive roar
As she stood upon the ball!
 
She blew a kiss to the those below
As she turned around with ease,
Then there atop removed her scarf
And cast it to the breeze 

But the crowd went wild as before their eyes
They viewed her final feat…
Into a handstand Grandma rose,
Then she waved and kicked her feet!

Whether flag pole, steeple, TV tower…
My grandma climbed them all.
For the freedom felt there in the clouds,
She was at their beck and call.

That grand old gal inspired me
Her legacy I've retraced.
Now I too dance upon a pole
At a club called Mary’s Place.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Messina Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 4:51 PM
I absolutely love this, Ken. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree (lol) Belated Congrats on POTD. -CM
Proxenos Avatar
June 18, 2021 at 12:07 PM
A very daring brave Grandma you had my friend - see you are still holding the torch! Blessings hugs, Jennifer.
Rone Avatar
June 18, 2021 at 4:12 PM
Hey Jennifer - it's been a while, thanks for checking in. Hope your summer is beginning on a creative course, one of health ang happiness. - Ken
Wiggett Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 1:44 AM
Fantastic poem:) I just love it;)
Rone Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 11:51 AM
It is so nice to meet you as a new friend Melody. I am glad you enjoyed it. - Ken
Seeker Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 11:28 PM
What a delightful read! Congrats on POTD, Ken!
Rone Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 11:50 AM
Dear Unseeker: thank you for your comment and taking the time to respond. - Ken
Kauffman Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 6:32 PM
Absolutely delightful Ken and so creative! Congratulations on your POTD honor. This is fun! Well done.
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 7:03 PM
Hello my Husky friend. It has been a fun week all around. Keep up your good work. Best regards- Ken
La France Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 3:46 PM
Ken, wonderful poem, I enjoyed reading it a lot, and congratulations on receiving POEM OF THE DAY enjoy the honor, peace _Constance
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 5:21 PM
Thank you Constance. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. It was a fun to write and a shock to see this morning's mail! - Ken
Hankins Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 12:54 PM
Back to say CONGRATULATIONS! I knew when I first read this poem it was destined for greatness! LOL
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 3:10 PM
Aw shucks.
Nicole Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 11:57 AM
While reading and then rereading your creative and clever thoughts, I cannot help but smile and giggle at the same time. :) I am chanting, "Go Granny, Go !" This is cute. You have a wonderful imagination. Congratulations Ken, on Poem of the Day. :) Brandy
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 12:02 PM
Yes Brandy, even Li'l Old Ladies from Pasadena were once young, vibrant and needed to make a living. Best and thanks - Ken
Edmonds  Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:47 AM
What a performer the grand old gal was, a well written hilarious read Ken. Congratulations on poem of the day… Belle
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:51 AM
My dearest Belle - How indebt I am for your guidance since that first day I was frustrated trying to post my first haiku (2/25/21). Without that help I would not be enjoying this day's honor with friends (old and new).
Peck Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:30 AM
HaHa! what a fun poem to read! Loved every line. Congratulations on POTD! Now, my next question: was this really your grandma? :)
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:37 AM
Hi Ann - No, the poem is imaginary. Though I had two inspirational grandmother's, Anne and Kristine. Neither of them (nor I) performed. I am glad you enjoyed it. But if you are ever in Portland you CAN visit Mary's Place.
Goldsmith Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:05 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. What a cute/fun story/write. Love It. Enjoy your win with blessings..................
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:17 AM
I hope you day is a positive one Paula. Mine has certainly started out that way. - Ken
Jayasankar Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 7:35 AM
Enjoyed reading this Ken... Congrats on your POTD... God bless... ~ Ani
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:15 AM
It is so kind of you to comment with blessings in return from me - Ken
Y. Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 7:26 AM
Hi Ken, What a funny and entertaining write. I enjoyed the read. I liked it a lot. Congratulations on getting the poem of the day . Enjoy the honor. Have a wonderful day:-) Alexis
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:16 AM
Quite a shock to me for sure Alexis. I'm so glad it sparked a smile. - Ken
Turner Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 7:22 AM
Congratulations on POTD, Ken. If I see something I haven't seen before, I'll throw a dollar at it:) LOL Love the humor!
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:10 AM
Thank you Daniel. The true honor is from all the new friends that took the time to write me, including yourself. Thank you - Ken
Sands Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 6:21 AM
Congratulations for POTD. Definetly a fun poem. I enjoyed :)
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:12 AM
All my best right back atchya Heidi. Thanks! - Ken
Pandit Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 5:31 AM
Congrats Ken on poem of the day. A fun read, indeed!
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:18 AM
Thank you Vijay. Your endorsement is honor in itself. - Ken
Allison Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 4:48 AM
what a witty write! many congrats on POTD:-) hugs Jan xx
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:14 AM
So great to hear from you Jan. Enjoy the day and ignore the politics in your Manx isolation! - Ken
Alex Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 2:26 AM
I had already commented on this poem. This is, indeed, marvelous.
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:20 AM
Hello Christuraj - It is always to meet a new friend in a positive moment like this. Thank you - Ken
Balasubramanian Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 2:17 AM
Back again with congrats! Enjoy the honour. Take care, God bless!
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:22 AM
Dear Rama - your note warms me. It is great to hear from you and thank you so much. - Ken
Cunningham Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 1:21 AM
Lol, enjoyed your verse Ken, a well deserved POTD, enjoy the honour. Tom
Rone Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 8:19 AM
Thanks for the read Tom. I appreciate you taking the time to write back. I enjoy hearing from you. _ Ken
De Beaulieu Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 12:30 PM
Hello Ken Ron, I love this poem . It made me smile. Will be my fav. Enjoy your day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 3:10 PM
Hello Ken Ron, thank you for the smile. Best wishes to you. My friend. Enjoy your evening .
Rone Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 12:48 PM
Smiling is what its all about Darlene. Best - Ken
Merryman Avatar
June 9, 2021 at 1:07 PM
A funny and entertaining write, Ken! Blessings, Kim M
Rone Avatar
June 9, 2021 at 2:19 PM
Well thanks Kim. The literary accolades are just a'rollin' in. Best - Ken
Balasubramanian Avatar
June 9, 2021 at 12:38 PM
You sure had an inspiring grandma. Some people never age. Really enjoyed reading your poem. Thanks for sharing.
Rone Avatar
June 9, 2021 at 12:44 PM
Hello Rama - The poem is fiction. Though I had two inspirational grandmother's, Anne and Kristine, neither of them (nor I) performed. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Hankins Avatar
June 9, 2021 at 12:17 PM
LOL. I love your poem about your grandma, Ken. Fantastic!!! I seldom laugh outloud at a poem, but this one cracked me up. A FAV for me!
Rone Avatar
June 9, 2021 at 12:24 PM
Ha! But the names have been changed to protect the innocent. I'm glad it brought a smile Milt. - Ken
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