Grandma's Cookies

Every year at Chanukah,
Like from divine command,
My grandma made the cookies
All her grandkids would demand.

These humble sugar dainties,
Cut in shapes and rolled out thin,
Served as harbinger that Chanukah
Could finally begin.

But each one, crisp and delicate,
Came with the possibility
That part of it would snap away,
Because of its fragility.

So lions rarely kept their tails
And candles lost their flames.
The sturdy dreidels, still intact,
Were prized for lack of maims.

A colored sugar dusting
Coated each and every shape.
From sugar sparkles on your clothes
You never could escape.

My grandma passed her cutters down
To me, and so I strive,
With floured hands, to help to keep 
Her recipe alive.

Today I gamely baked a batch;
My kids made the request.
I picture grandma’s smiling face
And think she’d be impressed.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
December 12, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Without a doubt, she would! Got Milk? :)
Manassian Avatar
December 11, 2012 at 5:13 PM
How beautiful! These are special family times of bonding and remembering loved ones who have passed! Your grandma would love this poem even more than the cookies, I'm sure! Hugs!
Alvez Avatar
December 11, 2012 at 10:28 AM
Ah! How lovely! I can almost smell them baking, of course tasting them would be a real treat. Happy Holidays! Nothing sweeter than kitchen fun! Cynthia
Falotico Avatar
December 10, 2012 at 3:28 PM
Same here!!! My Mom bakes like a pro... lovely write... hugs from Santa Michael
A   Avatar
December 10, 2012 at 2:23 PM
wow...love the batch... miss my grammy...pd
Andresen Avatar
December 10, 2012 at 1:08 PM
Sounds very good ...... :) The smells ... memories .... traditions .... it's just so lovely Ilene. - oxox / / Anne-Lise :)
Horsman Avatar
December 10, 2012 at 9:48 AM
Ok ilene, you have a task, need you to run a contest, with a box of these wonderful cookie's as a prize... love this poem,, this is history the way we once lived, a era fading in to the sunset, unless of course talent like your own, are around to remind us all what we are missing... lovely poems, a jewel in the crown of history...
Song Avatar
December 10, 2012 at 4:39 AM
She would be proud, indeed! I can taste these delectable treats already! MMMmmm GOOD! I sure do enjoy your well written rhymes, Eileen. I always am delighted reading your work and know it will be a top quality write! Have a great morning and a great weeek!! gwendolen
Komala Avatar
December 9, 2012 at 9:20 PM
dear Ilene...am sure everyone like this poem... so lovely ..thanks for your nice share..luv luv luv <3<3<3 SK
Harrell Avatar
December 9, 2012 at 8:43 PM
Oh, so sweet. Baking cookies to keep the memories alive. Awesome. What a tradition. So like it, Ilene. Enjoyed :)
Cavanaugh Avatar
December 9, 2012 at 8:01 PM
I love your poems. They are so fun and full of live. Happy Hanukkah!
Dietrich Avatar
December 9, 2012 at 7:12 PM
wonderful holiday poem on a tradition much loved in your family. I could just picture those broken cookies. I do the same with my Xmas stars, etc. I just had to read this for the title alone!! and glad I did. Luv, Andrea ps. have you heard the song called "I sure do love your Christmas cookies, baby." It's so cute.
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