the barefoot bard Poet Rhyme

My Presence

On reaching almost eighty,in a position one should be
well endowed with wisdom to pass to generations following behind
There have been so many changes in  nearly eight decades of life
that detrimentally affect humankind

Material possessions offered as a gift provide such artificial pleasure,
divert attention from the necessary skills to survive
My presence with the "grandies" when they come here for a visit, walk them in the orchard
talk about flowers seeds and fruit, discuss so many details of how to stay alive

Read a simple story, teach a simple guitar chord or two
some relaxing body massage to help them get through

Cut some  stalks of sugar cane for the juice, which they love to suck 
Just be there for them whenever they are stuck

And often just to listen as they walk a thorny path, shed a tiny tear
Someone to guide them, to help quell their fear

Intangible moments share each others pleasures, filled with love and joy
Provide long lasting memories from when one was a girl or boy

So when there are birthdays or xmas  and they hand out lots of presents
they know there will be none from grandpa, his presents are his presence

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the barefoot bard February 11, 2026 at 4:14 PM the barefoot bard February 11, 2026 at 4:20 PM Good day Jan My grand parents lived several hours distant I knew all four We saw them two or three times a year. I used to love hopping into bed in the mornings with my maternal grandma. Paternal grandma would tuck us in at night with a hot water bottle Love your replies Blessings Douglas xxx

Jan Allison February 11, 2026 at 1:50 PM the grandkids are so lucky to have you guide them Douglas. my grandad was basically estranged from the family and i only had a step step grandma who lived a distance away and we seldom saw her. i still feel i missed out so so much when I was growing up.. i love the final couplet of the poem - having your in their life is the greatest gift they can have:-) hugs Jan xx