Holding Back Tears

When granny was still alive
she used to tell me~
" Don't cry when I die,
for tears are melted salt
that had escaped from oceans;
Spare your tears, spare your salt,
Just sing me a song~
a song I first taught you."

Two decades ago, she bade adieu,
and in front of her coffin,
With eyes frozen,I stood still
holding back my tears~
the hardest thing to do;
It rained in my heart
as I began to sing her,
"Que Sera, Sera ( What ever will be, will be)".

Grandma, whatever will be, will be!
Your love shall dwell in me;
The tears I held back ~
were copious tears 
that flowed in my sullen heart.

Now my tears I could hold back never more
Like unceasing cascading stream~
resolutely rushing on
as I stand here~
in front of your tombstone.


18 August 2021

This or That Vol 5 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Edward Ibeh
4th place

A Brian Strand Informel Poetry Contest 
1st place
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

George Avatar
March 14, 2022 at 9:27 PM
I can so well relate to your feelings ! When pent up feelings find an outlet at last, we get instant relief ! Congratulations Jez on your win !
Alex Avatar
March 14, 2022 at 7:31 PM
Finally cried. Beautifully written. Congratulations!
Perna Avatar
September 9, 2021 at 4:13 PM
Lovely & I can relate!
Dietrich Avatar
August 25, 2021 at 2:04 PM
this one is profoundly touching. A fave for me.
Goldsmith Avatar
August 21, 2021 at 9:35 AM
Congratulations on your win. What a lovely yet sad story/write. So very hard when a love one pass on. Have a blessed day/weekend with your win...............
Ibeh Avatar
August 20, 2021 at 8:46 AM
Beautifully written, JCB:-) I really enjoyed it. Heartiest congratulations on your fine win in my contest!
Brul Avatar
August 20, 2021 at 8:49 AM
Thank you for my placement..Your themes are always inspiring!
Buhagiar Avatar
August 20, 2021 at 8:23 AM
Congratulations for your win.
Brul Avatar
August 20, 2021 at 8:50 AM
Thank you.
Evans Avatar
August 18, 2021 at 12:05 PM
This is so gracious, with heartfelt love. Beautiful tribute to your grandmother.
Brul Avatar
August 20, 2021 at 8:50 AM
Thank you Marilene for your kind feedback..
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace