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Grandma Still Calls Your Name

I will always remember those uneven paths,
which led me to you - 
sorrowful reminder of promises I could not keep.
All you wanted was to sit with me for a while,
to talk and maybe try to make me smile.

Yet fate did not let us share the stars,
not even for one night - now there is only darkness.

I will never forget,
how you would sit under the sage green veranda,
sipping on your sweet tea, laughing and chatting away.
Many would sit and listen to your non fiction tales 
about when the air was clean and the fields were green,
childhood mischief and forgotten memories.

I'll always remember that glint in your eyes,
the warmth in your smile and that sui generis voice.
Especially when parades of birds would chirp at dawn
and when gazing at fireflies flickering under lanterns at dusk.

The veranda is now silent,
but grandma still calls your name.
The aroma from those abundance of petals still lingers, 
but your scent does not appear.
Berries still appear from your affluent olive trees,
but they shall never be hydrated by your hands.
Sweet jasmine still climbs up veranda poles,
maybe trying to reach heaven, to be with you.


Your last words will always live with me:

"Come sit with me, even just for a couple of  days."

but the next day you were gone...

Dedicated to my grandfather.
1930 - 18 August 2018.

Silent One
26 August 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Raven Avatar
October 27, 2018 at 12:16 AM
Hi Silent, Such a touching tribute for your Grandfather my friend. I never had any memories of my grandfathers, both were dead before I was born. You have your memories and he now watches over you. This write has touched me deeply my friend. I am sorry for your loss. Your friend always....Mike.
Sharma Avatar
September 15, 2018 at 5:11 AM
A great tribute! His memories inked forever! So sorry for your loss! Hugs!!
Ricci Avatar
September 12, 2018 at 4:40 AM
Good Morning Silent. How touching beautiful and yes loving. The emotive factor is ever present and the reader can feel and recognize the beautiful relationship. All is well within this entry. I am very sorry for your loss.
Dietrich Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 5:59 PM
wow, what a heartfelt poem. One of your best ever, Silent One. Fave. (sorry for your loss)
Kannan Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 12:19 PM
A great tribute to your grandfather... Thanks for sharing this moving piece.
Macdonald Avatar
September 5, 2018 at 1:20 AM
Beautiful memories and sorrow mingled. The memories stay for ever, sorrow eases with time. A beautiful write :)
S     Avatar
September 4, 2018 at 4:46 AM
Sweet reminiscence of a very special person to you. This is so touching SO. A beautifully penned tribute tinged with regret and love. And the accompanying video is haunting.
Johnson Avatar
September 3, 2018 at 9:21 PM
You have a contest with a deadline of 8/19. It has yet to be judged. Just wondering. thks.
Johnson Avatar
September 3, 2018 at 9:18 PM
So good and touching. Thks for sharing.
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 3, 2018 at 6:11 PM
Hello Silent One, I am so sorry for your loss. You will always remember him, he wil be your guardian angel watching over you. I lost my best friend last year, I think of her often. I had surgery on my big toe, I took many trips down the stairs. Once a few steps then a whole flight of stairs. I see the doctor tomorrow. Have a nice evening my friend.
Ajmal Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 3:14 PM
Such a wonderful tribute you have given to your grandfather, like always, your words even this poem were magical and like always, your poem has the power to touch the heart of the readers, my grandfather lives his whole life in England, I just saw him two times, omce in 2007, then in 2012, in 07 I couldn't speak english and was only 5, so didn't really manage to communicate, but in 2012, he was there but still there were so many guests that I didn't find time to speak with him, good luck
Ajmal Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 3:15 PM
I see that it has won POTD, so many congratulations to you, after writing such a heartfelt write, you deserve it,
Messina Avatar
August 30, 2018 at 2:38 PM
Such a wonderful tribute to your grandfather, Silent One. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Blessings :( Charlie
Thayer Avatar
August 30, 2018 at 10:32 AM
So Sorry For Your Loss Silent One, I Especially Understand The Love One Has For A Grandparent And How Beautifully Your Pen Guided Your Hand To Remember Your Grandfather. I Cried Reading This. The Best To You And Your Family, My Friend. Vickie Thayer
Pett Avatar
August 30, 2018 at 5:05 AM
Please accept my belated congratulations on your well deserved POTD and heartfelt condolences for your loss my friend, like many you have touched me with your beautifully written tribute, thinking of you and yours at this time ~ Roy.
Daniel Avatar
August 30, 2018 at 2:03 AM
Sad to hear, Silent one, my heartfelt condolences..lovely tribute:)
Robinson Jr. Avatar
August 29, 2018 at 5:44 PM
Amazing introspective poetry, SO. It touched me deeply. My maternal grandmother died when I was fifteen. Looking back on my life, I felt that was the day of my rite-of-passage into adulthood. We were so close, and the pain of that separation sparked a growth in me that remains even to this day. Ty for the soul-stirring memories this wonderful poem brought back to me. Love and joy always.
George   Avatar
August 29, 2018 at 4:57 PM
This beautiful heartfelt tribute to your Grandfather...touched me deeply. I too have such beautiful memories of my Grandfather. My tribute is entitled Frosted Panes....posted here on this site. Elaine
Ashley Avatar
August 28, 2018 at 9:26 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, Silent One. Your poignant tribute to your grandfather touched me deeply.. I especially love this emotionally stirring line; 'Sweet jasmine still climbs up veranda poles, maybe trying to reach heaven, to be with you.' Your precious bittersweet imagery moved me to tears. Congratulations on your well deserved recognition with POTD honors for your heartfelt dedication.. please accept my sympathies my dear friend. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan
Milgate Avatar
August 28, 2018 at 8:57 PM
too true for so many of us, but a tribute to grandparents which are the best people we ever know.
Gentile Avatar
August 28, 2018 at 1:14 PM
What a beautiful piece, Silent One. Our Grandparents are such precious gifts and love is love, they would want no regrets. A bit late but a heartfelt Congratulations!!!!
Foster Avatar
August 28, 2018 at 2:34 AM
What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather, that your lovely evocative poem should be Poem of the Day. I'm so sorry for your loss, Silent One, but you have taken it and made it beautiful in a way that only poets can. Best wishes to you.
Waters Avatar
August 28, 2018 at 1:06 AM
A lovely, moving tribute - sorry for your loss. Love always
Williams Avatar
August 27, 2018 at 7:43 PM
You are not so silent, Silent One. I am impressed with your phrases of a time gone by. Congrats as always to your winning POTW.
Parker Avatar
August 27, 2018 at 7:08 PM
you are very very fortunate all my grandparents passed before I had a chance to know them
Leiser Avatar
August 27, 2018 at 6:48 PM
I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather, Silent! I completely understand your grief, as I am still reeling over the loss of my beloved dad. Such a beautiful and poignant poem you've written here as you remember your times with him...prayers go your way...
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