Loving Helena

The chair is her home, her universe now
It is all that her many years will allow
Helena’s elegant beauty once shone
Now her mind wanders a world of its own

Age has changed her body but not her heart
Many great stories she’d always impart
To the wide-eyed grandchild she admired so
A girl who has loved her since long ago

Tales of black velvet gowns in which she’d dance
Soft moonlit beaches where she found romance
Economic hardships that came to pass
The rise and the fall of each social class

Her hands and face are now weathered with age
Accounts of the past still flow from this sage
And though some repeat again and again
I still listen now, just as I did then

I’ve memorized these tales, her gifts to me
And always I’ll remain her devotee
It matters not that my name escapes her
Love from her eyes she can always confer

Grandma brushes fingers across my face
And whispers, “Beautiful,” as we embrace
Though I miss years when she knew me so well
I know in the past her memories dwell

My love for her lingers, it always will
I take comfort knowing she loves me still
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Lawrence Avatar
September 20, 2020 at 3:15 PM
Carolyn, Such a loving tribute to Helena. It is so very clear the tenderness and depth of your journey of many years together. The details you remember of her stories and days gone by as well as the touch of her hand across your face. Lovely intimate detail. I feel the warmth and the acceptance from you of her in this moment in time. Susan :-)
Romios Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 9:40 PM
This is wonderful and congratulations. My grandmothers name was Helen. Some elderly do forget names in the present. I experienced that with my Mom. But it did not make her less of a human being. I had to learn she was still here~ just differently.once I stopped moaning and kvetching about how she once was. I got who she was in the moment. After all, neither the past nor the future are alive All we have is this moment..)) Panagiota xx
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 12:47 AM
Here is a most heart warming poem I missed reading Carolyn. This is such a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. It is going straight into my Faves! I love it! : ) xxoo
Devonshire Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 4:27 PM
Thank you, Connie. She was a wonderful grandmother.
Horne Avatar
August 8, 2011 at 11:40 AM
I just decided to read one at random - wow, did you win one of Soup's contests? Many congrats if you did : )
Dietrich Avatar
March 26, 2011 at 10:13 PM
this is marvelous as I am sure all your entries for the Soup contest were. a big congrats on all of them making it thru round one!
Brumley Avatar
March 17, 2011 at 8:29 AM
And I'm sure she always will....Congrats on all three of your poems making past the first round Carolyn!
Kendrick Avatar
March 11, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Congratulations..Sara
Ahmad Avatar
March 8, 2011 at 1:54 AM
Congrats on having all 3 in round 2
Maverick Avatar
March 7, 2011 at 10:14 AM
emotive write here Carolyn, makes me almost feel the depth of your love in this.
Coulstock Avatar
December 14, 2010 at 7:09 PM
This is so overwhelmingly moving and so touching.Every line is so beautifully written and the love for your grandmother Carolyn just pours out of you into your words.I love the simplicity of this piece, yet you have coveyed such a depth of feeling.It is a real joy to read.I'm so glad you made the home page.I would not have wanted to miss this for the world.I want it for a favourite.Thank you. Love June
Whitlock-Ishway Avatar
December 14, 2010 at 7:24 AM
Heart warming write Carolyn! Congrats on your feature...Lay
Brown Avatar
December 14, 2010 at 3:35 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week on PoetrySoup Carolyn. Love, Carol
Gorelick Avatar
December 13, 2010 at 5:19 PM
Congrats LNC on being featured with one of my favorite poems about your Helena. BG
Austin Avatar
December 13, 2010 at 3:29 PM
Oh yes! I like this one so much. You really touch something eeep here. Lots of love shown. Congrats on the selection. Love, Dave
Austin Avatar
November 26, 2010 at 7:29 AM
Can't find one I haven't read, Carolyn, so I will say have a good Black Friday and don't spend too much money. It could be downright dangerous out there today. I remember when I was selling men's wear, the women would butt us out of the way to get at sale items - vintage 1952. LOve, Dave
Brown Avatar
October 2, 2010 at 6:10 AM
Congratulations on your win Carolyn in Constance~A Rambling Poet's~ contest "I am Sending You a Gift of Poetry, Dear Heart". It is an honor to be on the list with you. Love, Carol
Cwiak Avatar
October 1, 2010 at 11:50 PM
Carolyn, you have touched a cord here that most won't even try to reach...aging. I am currently working with a 96 yr. old man who has lost much of his short term memory, but in his face I see that he continues to enjoy life, and the twinkle in his eyes tells me that he too, has memories that can only dwell in the past. Great write and congrats on your win. Dan C
Haick Avatar
October 1, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Dear Carolyn, My warm congratulations on your great win in the contest! Hope you're having a great weekend! Much love, Audrey
Johnson Avatar
October 1, 2010 at 5:23 PM
Lovely Carolyn and take it from one who knows those memories aren't so far past as they seem to the younger people. Time goes so fast. Congratulations.Love, Joyce
Mehta Avatar
October 1, 2010 at 2:46 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in the contest, Carolyn. I hope you are quite alright in N.J.
Richards Avatar
October 1, 2010 at 1:28 PM
Such a lovely poem, and a lovely memory you must cherish. I knew this would stir Constance's heart. Congratulations Carolyn, on this wonderful deserving win! ~Love Carrie
Fraser Avatar
September 24, 2010 at 4:22 PM
Helena has such a Mediterranean theme to it, that it is so alluring. Good luck in the contest Carolyn >> James :)xx
Skyles-Theoklapoet Avatar
September 21, 2010 at 9:40 AM
Beautiful read it brought tears but gave me joy rememberong the love I have for my own granny.Her name was Buela Frances.Thanks Carolyn for the comment.Teresa
Haick Avatar
September 19, 2010 at 8:58 PM
Carolyn, this is so touching! And a wonderful write to honor your dear grandmother. Thank you for sharing this. You who still have your grandmothers are very lucky, indeed. Wishing you good luck in Constance's contest. love you, Audrey
Peranteau Avatar
September 19, 2010 at 6:30 PM
great poem dearCarolyn....O how I miss my grand mom ! I lived with her for 4 yrs and she was the best ! ty for the mems ! much love, james
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