My Grand Aunt
MY GRAND AUNT
by
JOHN M. ARRIBAS
She is still as elegant as I dare remember
Those early springs: its now late december
She is sitting with her back perfectly straight
I’m afraid she’ll chastise me for being late
She is wearing a blouse of organdie I think
With lacing at the edges a flattering pink
A full length skirt tucked under her thighs
Her house maid slippers with ribbons for ties
Her little loop ear rings with silvery plums
Her hair quite gray combed back tied in a bun
As I approach she turns that same sparkle in her eyes
There isn’t a sign that me she can still recognize
I was told she suffers from a recognition affliction
That her thoughts will wander a constant condition
I look into her eyes and tell her who I am
She smiles , sighs and asks if I’m the elevator man
She seems to be struggling to recall the past
She may catch it for an instant then gone in a flash
There is no conversation enlisted by her
I try to make small talk she doesn’t concur
I bring up old memories she just stares away
I think I see a reaction but it just doesn’t play
I hold her hands they’re so tiny and soft
It may have awakened a long lost thought
But she just turns her head and looks away
She seems to be struggling with something to say
As hard as I try to engage her in conversation
No response, I’m handcuffed in total frustration
The mind never stops working so I’ve been told
So she’s thinking about something dear to her soul
She has exiled herself maybe a defense mechanism
So as not to contend with the oncoming attrition
You don’t have to accept the declining fear
Turn off your senses and just not be here
My grand aunt (2)
She surrendered her memories and all future strife
Savors the times that were the joys of her life
She’s hoarding those good times not sharing at all
Reliving those moments as best she can recall
Her ride never stops it’s a carousel of unending joy
She sealed up those reveries not even time can destroy
When she was young she dressed with victorian distinction
That she’d outshine her companions was an easy prediction
A white blouse, tailored skirt and slight tint on her lips
Nylon stockings a hint of rouge a rhythmic tilt of her hips
She aroused masculine attention wherever she went
The only man in her life was a casualty heaven sent
By a conflict in Korea her life’s altering event
She carefully concealed her painful lament
She devoted her time and energies to family and friends
Community interests , charities the list never ends
Those interests consumed her life and spiritual grit
While all the time exhibiting humor and wit
I’ll not see her again this day for me is complete
Those deep seated emotions are once,,not to repeat
Her sweet and tranquil mein has held me in sway
My eyes are misting as I drive away
I’m not sure but I think I heard her say
Thanks for visiting me “Robert “and have a nice day
I’ve come away thinking these folks are cleverer than we
They’ve cut themselves off from the pains of reality
They’ve insulated their thoughts for solo enjoyment
Not wasting any time with mundane disappointment
They relish the wonderful moments of their passing life
They just forget and dismiss the grief and the strife
Copyright © John Arribas | Year Posted 2016
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