My Grandmother's Hands

My Grandmother's Hands

My Grandmother's hands told many tales
Of scrubbing steps and broken nails
Hand-washing clothes in enamel sink
Red football socks turned white towels pink

When not baking cakes at the old gas stove
Rag-rugs with old scraps of material she wove
Pantry shelves filled with powdered egg
Homemade rice pudding sprinkled with nutmeg

Sea-coal burning on an open coal fire
Bread on a toasting fork burning like a pyre
Grandma plumping up pillows from beneath granda’s head
Applying ointment to sores caused by being confined to bed

Hours spent at auctions bidding with her hand
Buying an incomplete bed wasn't what she planned
Back home in time for tea, crumpets and homemade strawberry jam,
I can still recall the smell of it, bubbling in the pan

Switching tv channels with a flick of her wrist
That’s how we did it back then, when remotes did not exist
Working hard all of her life, meeting everyone's demands
Every line and wrinkle told a story
On my Grandmother's hands
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Sietesantos Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 7:34 PM
What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother and her amazing hands! A beautifully penned rhyming piece! Well done and good luck in the contest! Hugs. Pandita
Kinch  Avatar
March 24, 2017 at 1:46 PM
Oh this brought back memories of my own Granny's hands, how I would love to hold them again. You write from the heart beautifully Jenny.
Pett Avatar
January 11, 2017 at 5:12 AM
such a beautiful poem so well written Jenny, a joy to read.
Bauer Avatar
January 9, 2017 at 2:45 PM
this is beautifully told, jenny! you've brought your grandmother to vivid life with your words...
Gupta Avatar
January 9, 2017 at 9:46 AM
So touching a write ... Eyes get wet alongside the delight of reading ...
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