Greg Gaul Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Grell

when I was this many
you can't count the thumb
I had this soft friend
a horsey, all felt and tan
about the size of a piece of toast
but with legs
I could sleep with it
up close to my face
and curl up to be safe
I called it Grell
my parents never could
figure out why
they talked about it a lot
and giggly smiled
I always wanted Grell with me
at my nap
in the car
when I was afraid

Sammy's dad had to leave forever
and Sammy from next door
would never see him again
he cried, we both did
I gave him Grell
so he wouldn't be sad at night
it was all I had
I missed Grell
then, when I was
this many and 
this one over here
Sammy's family moved
I thought Grell was gone forever

much later, when I was big
I heard Sammy died in the war
about then, I was packing my things
and my mom gave me a box
of old stuff when I was
you know, really little
stuck in the corner at the bottom
faded and dusty was Grell
I picked it up softly
I think Grell was sad
and put it in my suit pocket
later that day, I went to
Sammy's memorial in the city
I saw his mom
I gave her Grell for Sammy
she said she'd give it to him
it was the right thing to do
Sammy will be happy now
and so will Grell




4/2020
L Milton Hankins
My Personal Favorite No 2

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Paula Goldsmith August 9, 2022 at 11:40 AM Congratulations on this win. WOW!!! With tears in my eyes I say, this is a  beautiful/wonderful friendship write. Your love/friendship shows many times over. I know you were blessed many times over. Today, be blessed with your wonderful win............. Paula Goldsmith August 9, 2022 at 1:12 PM Thank You, for your kind words. Just a thought, your "Grell" write could turn into a wonderful children's book. Enjoy your win and be blessed............... Greg Gaul August 9, 2022 at 12:17 PM Paula, as you are a published author of childrens books, this comment is very special to me. You, of all people, can put yourself in the mind of a child. Ah, what a great place to be. Thank you so much dear poetess.

Christuraj Alex August 9, 2022 at 5:42 AM Great Sammy Grell and you. Beautifully written. Congratulations! Greg Gaul August 9, 2022 at 11:27 AM Your compassion and kindness are showing, thanks for making the effort to comment and visit.

Beata Agustin August 8, 2022 at 9:43 PM Congrats! Thanks for sharing this, poetically and reflectively celebrating "International Friendship Day." God bless you. Greg Gaul August 9, 2022 at 11:25 AM Beata, thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your thoughts and support. Grell does too.

Susan Ashley June 3, 2021 at 6:32 PM Dear Greg, your poem is as moving as it is original, both in the touching content and in the child's voice conveying this captivating story. Your shining pen sheds light upon your tender heart and compassionate soul so shared in this beautiful piece. Congratulations for your wonderful win in Juliet's contest. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan Greg Gaul June 4, 2021 at 4:24 AM Dear friend and poetess Susan, your visits are so supportive. I think compassion may well be the most vital of all themes, as a society and as individuals we need to keep this in the forefront. It always puzzles me when so many turn away. In my mind this is one of my best poems. Your nearly solitary acknowledgement is heartening. Thank you.

Juliet Ligon May 23, 2021 at 7:03 PM Thanks for entering your original poem, Greg. I love "when I was this many." Interesting that the story is told in a child's "voice." This was a difficult contest to judge. Keep up the creativity. Greg Gaul May 24, 2021 at 5:43 AM I appreciate your taking the time to comment and visit for simply a HM. The integrity of hosting is important and you show that you are in the right mindset. Thank you very much.