On Seeing Tenderness In Childhood

Very few really tender moments
in my childhood do I find.
My memories abound
with normal things, and also
with happy celebrations,
failures and successes,
good times and bad.

But I recall one day
visiting a man from church.
Inside his small apartment 
my mother took me.
I can’t remember why.
I just recall this elderly white-haired man
waiting on his white-haired wife
with absolute tenderness.

She did not even know him, really.
Alzheimers had claimed her.
But he hovered over her
with the enduring and endearing
patience and love
born from years and years
of companionship and true intimacy
that no disease
can obliterate.

June 14, 2021
For Malabika Ray Choudhury's 'A Tender Moment in Childhood'  Contest
Entered July 4 for 'A Brian Strand July 4' Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

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Alex Avatar
July 5, 2021 at 7:25 PM
Wonderful Writing. Congratulations!
Goldsmith Avatar
July 2, 2021 at 11:16 AM
Congratulations on your win. A "Wonderful" write. The golden years are not so golden for many. Have a blessed day..............
Alex Avatar
July 1, 2021 at 8:00 PM
that no disease can obliterate. Beautiful. Congratulations!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
July 1, 2021 at 2:48 PM
Congratulations, Andrea, on your win with this fabulous poem. Love ~ Mala
Proxenos Avatar
June 18, 2021 at 8:58 AM
Andrea, i salute the tenderness and endearing way you have written this poem in. So many times have I heard men and women from this village, saying that they could no longer cope and put their partner into frail care. You however, noticed from young what true intimacy and companionship means, until death do us part. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer
Peranteau Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 1:40 PM
so intense dear poet! I watched the such ill tear a family apart, likewise bring one together. The "apart" wuz my son's grandfather...the "bring together" iz my neighbor. I wuz reminded of Mr. Thomas as I read your endearing write Andrea and hiz wife's devoted selfless loves and hugz even as Thomas drooled on her...if she wasn't 87 I'd be waiting in Line to be her next luv! Ty 4the enlightenment....much love, james
Norton Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 1:12 PM
Hi Andrea, What a sweet and tender poem this is. I wish it was my memory. Of course, no one could share it like you, with such beauty, tenderness, and insight. This is an exceptional write, and another winner. You're unparalleled skills as a poet continue to be an inspiration to third-stringers like me. Take care, Bryan
Cunningham Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 8:25 AM
What a beautiful tender moment you saw as a child Andrea, I can understand why you've never forgotten it. Tom
Alex Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 8:02 AM
Wow. Great.
Brul Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 5:22 AM
You’re so lucky dear Andrea! Very seldom now you could see such scenario of everlasting love…Such scenario from your tender years lived with you…Now you are such a sweet soul! Best wishes!
Jayasankar Avatar
June 15, 2021 at 2:20 AM
Arre wah...years of companionship and true intimacy of that elderly couple... what a tender moment to watch it as a child Andrea...just came in to comment for a few poems... Am not able to write more and am missing many contests including this due to the neck pain that is troubling me on and off... Loved your last stanza... Best wishes dear... Hugs.. ~ Ani
Y. Avatar
June 14, 2021 at 4:59 PM
WoW! Andrea, As a child, you were blessed to see what True Love looks like. In way, that white haired old didn't see Alzheimers , he saw his beloved. This a winner in my book. Best wishes in the contest. Have a wonderful day:-) Alexis
Balasubramanian Avatar
June 14, 2021 at 10:15 AM
True love, I know a couple, wife bedridden, husband serving... When she died he cried inconsolably.
Kerr Avatar
June 14, 2021 at 9:53 AM
Andrea, This monumental work is an absolute credit to you. A deeply moving poem. Thanks for selecting my entry in your recent contest Howard
Hankins Avatar
June 14, 2021 at 9:28 AM
Such a moving picture, Andrea, obviously etched in your memory for a good reason. Now you have shared it with us, and we are sorrowful and thankful at the same time.
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