One More Day

Checkered Past

I put out our checker board and pulled out your special chair
Imagined your delightful laughter, as if you were sitting there

That twinkle in your eye, that inspirational glee
Then before I knew it, you were really sitting there with me

You told me we'd been granted a single more day
To spend it both together in a very special way

I said "Grandpa I love you, I can't believe that you are here!"
You looked so very happy and down your face there rolled a tear

I asked you a single question "Tell me what is heaven like?"
You said in heaven you are young and have a special bike."

All of those that you had loved, that before you passed away
Were gleefully waiting in heaven, now together you all play

Dad and auntie Debbie, Grandpa Kutz and  Bobby Lenz
Even your mom with pure blue eyes and oh so many other friends.

For age is not a factor no one there will ever grow old
The sun is always shining and the wind is never cold

Still you were thrilled to leave and spend this day with me
To tell me a few jokes and to share your history

For the thing I most remember is the stories you would share
I listened much more intently as I marvelled at you there.

No question remained unanswered, as you sipped upon your tea
You also wanted to know, if I was as happy as I could be

So I introduced you to my family, my son Matthew and my wife
I told them how very thankful I am, that you are part of my life

You sat back down in your chair, and made one final play
Winked and said "I love you, this has been the perfect day!"


I loved playing Checkers with my Grandpa Clifford.
I miss you Grandpa!

Written December 11, 2015
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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12
Carmack Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 6:55 PM
Well Richard, this poem had it's desired effect. Poems like these can run the risk of going too over the top, but yours is perfect.
Shahein Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 7:55 PM
Well one more poem and uou will kill me , really there's no breaths left after this remarkable , breath taking poem.....Enjoyed every little word in , like seriously spectacular write , one of my favorites actually....well I wish you a happy new year full of passion ,happiness , romance and joy for u and for ur beloved one's....hugs / / :) dalia
Lamoureux Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 10:09 PM
You as well, thanks for the awesome comments, you made my night.
Makama Avatar
December 22, 2015 at 7:57 AM
This is an excellent piece Richard. Great write, merry christmas and a happy new year to you my friend
Lamoureux Avatar
December 22, 2015 at 8:51 AM
Thanks Funom.
Scars Avatar
December 21, 2015 at 12:01 PM
Richard... I was inspired by a few poems you wrote lately, and stumbled on this one. Once again, I have to say this is a wonderful write..*smiles*
Lamoureux Avatar
December 22, 2015 at 8:52 AM
You are most kind Laura, thanks ;0)
Seal Avatar
December 17, 2015 at 7:18 PM
Really enjoyed reading this, brought back some happy memories for me too. Hope you're keeping well Rick and congrats on the win. take care, richard
Lamoureux Avatar
December 22, 2015 at 8:53 AM
Thanks Richard, I hope you are enjoying the season.
A  Avatar
December 16, 2015 at 12:33 AM
RICHARD, congrats on your fine win. SKAT
Lamoureux Avatar
December 16, 2015 at 5:34 PM
Thanks SKAT!
Chircop Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 2:16 PM
Aw how sweet the memory of our cherished once, and how wobderful when it comes to life again... Hope Its tetley tea up there. . cant wait to see : )..Lovely.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 16, 2015 at 5:35 PM
I think you will have to be patient and wait for a long time. Thanks for the visit Charmaine.
Gentry Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 1:03 AM
Absolutely charming. Congratulations.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 8:21 AM
Thanks Susan.
Inman Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 7:46 AM
Such a lovely write, Richard. What a wonderous day that would be.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 8:26 AM
Thanks James.
Tor Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 2:45 AM
What a wonderful write Richard. Enjoyed reading about your grandpa. Did you win when you played him in checkers?
Lamoureux Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 8:30 AM
We each had our moments. We both enjoyed competing. When I was a kid he would let me win. When he was older and was mentally deminisher I would let him win.
Marcum Wong Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 12:01 AM
I loved reading the memories of your beloved grandpa Richard. I got a visit from my dear friend here in my home the day after my friend passed on. She lived in Kansas, and came to say good-bye to me. All she did was appear and smile and then she was gone, but I marveled at how young she looked, like in her early twenties. Your poem reminded me of that beautiful encounter and I was touched by your words. Congratulations on your wonderful win!
La France Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 11:42 PM
Richard, this is so heart warming, I would love to talk to my grandpa too for just one more day, congrats ~
Lamoureux Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 8:32 AM
We will have to be patient and wait for the next life. Thanks for visiting.
Hamilton Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 9:04 PM
So nice Richard you really have a way of touching everyone with your words. I would love it if you tried my first contest, don't know if you do acrostics though.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 8:33 AM
Hi John, I will check it out.
Dietrich Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 7:27 PM
this one was one of my favorites. So glad to see it marked high. Congrats.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 8:33 AM
What a nice thing to say, much appreciated.
Lane Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 5:45 PM
Well done, Richard. Congratulations.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 8:34 AM
Thanks Lin Lane.
Roberts Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 4:29 PM
loved it, such special memories ......Seren
Lamoureux Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 5:34 PM
Thanks Seren.
Haight Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 4:26 PM
Nice memories, Richard. Congratulations on your fine win. Sandra
Lamoureux Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 5:34 PM
Thanks Sandra
Allison Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 3:37 PM
Such a touching poem Rick congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
Lamoureux Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 5:35 PM
Thanks Jan. Hugs to you too.
Scars Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 3:16 PM
I love how personal you wrote this..exactly what I was looking for..thank you for being a part of my contest...-luloo *smiles*
Lamoureux Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 5:35 PM
Thanks for picking this one Laura.
Godwin Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 10:21 AM
Excellent - I love it ... 7 ... CayCay
Lamoureux Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Thanks Cay Cay.
Onclaud Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 9:08 AM
Theses are treasured memories, rich... surely, a profound tribute.. i miss my grandpa too!. huggs
Lamoureux Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 9:10 AM
Thanks Nette, hugs back to you. Grandparents play such an important part in our lives.
Bear Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 9:38 AM
Know Grandpa would have enjoyed this poem. He was always so proud of his family. Must say that I am proud of you as well for this well written testimonial to Grandpa Love Mom brought tears to my eyes
Lamoureux Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 10:02 AM
I love you too mom!
Manassian Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 1:31 AM
Great write, dear...We carry them in our hearts.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 8:03 AM
Thanks Eileen, indeed we do.
Dietrich Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 3:28 PM
this is touching and utterly charming. Next one on my list of "to do " poems after the one liner!!!
Lamoureux Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 8:02 AM
I hope you are right Wilfred, thanks for the nice comment.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 4:31 PM
Thanks for visiting Andrea, good luck in the contes.
Smith Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 2:46 PM
Now that is a day to behold Richard. Love the couplets
Lamoureux Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 4:31 PM
Thanks Tim, it was fun to imagine.
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