Line Gauthier Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

~ tribute to my grand-mother, the first true love of my life ~

Listen to poem:

How Could I Not Remember

I remember you holding me in your arms
Rocking me gently while singing lullabies

I remember when you lived a short walk away
Relatives were local and get-togethers were the norm
I remember your amazing purple mohair sweater
You knit exquisitely and wore so gracefully

I remember your scented creams and signature ring
I never grew tired of holding your hand
And telling you how much I loved you

I remember watching in awe your bedtime routine 
As you meticulously undid your braided coif
Dropping your soft wavy hair to your waist

I remember you never missed Sunday mass
And held on to that glow throughout the week
You knew about plants with their healing powers
Neighbors came to you for answers and advice

I remember how you would scrape savings for travel
Always working in visits to friends who had moved away

I remember the aroma of the pies you baked
After tireless hours of quilting, sewing, weaving
Embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and whatever else

I remember there was nothing you couldn’t do
You started tutoring me when I was three
And probably earlier as I was eager to learn
It was my favorite form of play

I remember hearing your schoolhouse stories
I’d picture a little house in a field and your teacher attire
Your turn-of-the-century class full of kids
Then I’d let you continue teaching me to read, write and count
Though I wasn’t yet of school age

I remember being uprooted and moving to the country
Leaving city life and you behind

I remember how good life was when I had you
To turn to for support and guidance
Or just for your warm bountiful embrace

I remember getting that gut wrenching feeling 
That bitter call in the middle of the day
As I was told the crushing news
I would never again see, touch or hold you
How can I not remember
The inconsolable devastation that never dimmed



Published in my 24-page photo/anthology ~ALWAYS WITH ME~ 2020

AP: 1st place 2026, 1st place 2020

Submitted on September 26, 2017 for contest LOVE FOR MOVIE SCREEN sponsored by SILENT ONE - RANKED 2ND

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John Watt April 12, 2020 at 10:31 PM Did your poetry come after she passed away, or was she ever able to read your poems? How proud they would have made her. Any teacher seeing child grow up and write of their experiences must be extremely gratified, knowing they played a part in that self-expression. Line Gauthier April 13, 2020 at 10:23 AM Unfortunately, my grand-mother never read my poetry. Thank you so much for your comment.

John Watt April 12, 2020 at 10:25 PM You were very blessed to have had this woman as your grandmother, and I sure she was extremely proud of you. How hard to have had to move away from her, and later get the phone call nobody wants. A glowing tribute to a wonderful woman, Line. Line Gauthier April 13, 2020 at 10:24 AM Thanks you so much, John. Your comment means a lot to me.

Gregory Richard Barden October 5, 2017 at 7:41 AM Very beautiful and melancholy write, Line, I enjoyed this very much! Blessings and congratulations on your well-deserved win, my friend - great stuff! :-) Line Gauthier October 5, 2017 at 10:19 AM Hi Gregory, thank you so much for your kind note. Warmest wishes from sunny Ottawa.

Susan Ashley October 4, 2017 at 7:42 PM Congratulations Line on your fine win with this wonderful and emotional poem. Line Gauthier October 4, 2017 at 8:27 PM Thank you Susan for your kind comments. Best wishes from Ottawa.

Constance La France October 4, 2017 at 1:17 PM Line, such a vivid story, congratulations on your win ! Line Gauthier October 4, 2017 at 3:30 PM Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a wonderful day.

Eve Roper October 4, 2017 at 12:34 PM Line, congratulations on your win! Line Gauthier October 4, 2017 at 3:30 PM Thank you Eve. Have a marvelous day.

Silent One October 4, 2017 at 6:39 AM A sweet but sad sad story.. WE never forget the moment.. even the sad ones.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest.. Line Gauthier October 4, 2017 at 9:31 AM Thank you so much. Unfortunately they can't all be Hollywood endings...

Carole Duet September 27, 2017 at 9:16 PM This had to be a beloved grandmother. She sounds wonderful whoever she was and if this poem is true to life you were indeed very lucky to have such a one in your life. Great poem and tribute. Love never dies.... Line Gauthier September 27, 2017 at 9:37 PM All so true - SO VERY VERY LUCKY INDEED !!!

Heidi Sands September 26, 2017 at 6:31 PM This is so well written. Very powerful. It reaches the reader with such emotion, gratitude and special times shared with someone who made a difference in your life! Line Gauthier September 26, 2017 at 10:22 PM Thanks Heidi. My grand-mother was my soul mate. Miss her so much.