Notes About The Poem

A century back child marriage was so common in India. My grandma was only fifteen and my grandpa, hardly seventeen when they got married. Their life was an inspiring saga of love , daring and dedication. They lived long and happy, braving the storms of life and we are proud we have inherited their genes.

Pride of Place

From the gilded frame adorably kept on the bureau Two benign faces look on us as we gaze in awe My Grandpa who lived and died a true hero My Grandma so ebullient, a chirping sparrow They became man and wife so young in their teen They built a small joyful empire, leading a life serene Serving as prop to each other, lived as king and queen Though gone out of reach, shed light with a rare sheen
Placed First Brian Strand Formed Poetry Contest Jan,26. 2022 Pride of Place Poetry Contest Sponsor- Julia Ward
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Brown Avatar
March 16, 2022 at 2:11 PM
Congratulations on your win, Valsa, Blessings ~ Debra
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 16, 2022 at 7:58 AM
Congratulations on your win, Valsa. I fondly remember my grandparents when reading about yours. Wonderful tribute! Love ~ Mala
Goff Avatar
March 16, 2022 at 7:33 AM
Quite lovely Valsa, congrats!
Alex Avatar
March 16, 2022 at 6:39 AM
Great memory. They are gems of persons, indeed. Beautifully written. Congratulations!
Pandit Avatar
March 16, 2022 at 6:29 AM
BIG congrats on another win, Valsa, in Brian's contest. Just curious--have you read my recent blog--"Are You Curios".
Pandit Avatar
March 16, 2022 at 10:33 AM
At the menu bar up top click on Blogs (second from left)--it will take you there. Look for my name by scrolling down. You may find it informative.
George Avatar
March 16, 2022 at 8:42 AM
Vijay, thanks a lot ! I haven't seen your blog.... ! Sorry I don't know how to access it ! Please tell if you have any link .....
Wolf Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 4:25 PM
A treasured bureau it is, Valsa. Never, never, involved with '-cracy! ~ gw
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:35 AM
Yes, even that bureau is handed down to us from my parents. My grand parents were very ordinary people who had nothing to do with bureaucracy ! :) :) Thanks for your funny comment !
Kendrick Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 1:51 PM
Ahh! I enjoyed learning about your ancestors. It reads like they were wonderful people. Your visit to my page was inspiring. Thanks for the visit. Sara
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:32 AM
They were indeed a wonderful pair. They never minded living a hard life and taking sacrifices for others. Thanks a lot Sara.
Buehler Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 10:41 AM
Your loving tribute captures the heart, Valsa. We are who we are because of those who came before us. This a fine contest entry. Blessings, Evelyn
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:23 AM
Yes, our ancestry matters much. A tree is known by its fruits and vice versa! Thanks a lot Evelyn.
Leffanta Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 10:38 AM
Until the Marriage Act of 1929, the minimum age of marriage was 14 for boys and 12 for girls as women are best able to give birth between the ages of 13-15 when their bones are still supple. 100-years of religion over science prohibits girls from even having sex until childbirth becomes painful . . . Aloha!
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:21 AM
Without sex how can there be childbirth? :) I too believe that a woman should remain chaste till she is married.... ! I am a little old fashioned.... ! :(
DiMino Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 8:57 AM
Such a touching, endearing dedication. And I think their fine influence can been seen in you. I'm sure they had their difficulties, like many of us, but they did not let that get in the way of love and duty. Great write!
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:18 AM
I feel so delighted to read your comment Joe. They were so devoted to each other.... that's what I have heard from my parents. Thanks a lot dear friend !
Pandit Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 7:07 AM
Your beloved memories tug the heart in this poem. A wonderful place to return to in memories.
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:16 AM
The memories of those hardworking and amiable souls delight and inspire us. I can't remember much of my grandpa. But my grand ma died when I was in the 8th Standard. Thanks a lot Vijay !
Poet Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 6:00 AM
This is a beautiful memorial to your grandparents. Valsa, I understand that marrying young used to be the standard years ago. Thank you for taking the time to share the story of your loving grandparents with us. Kindest regards
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:14 AM
Yes, many got married even earlier ! Though their life was one of struggle, they brought up their children with whatever comforts they could provide and giving them better education.Thanks Lasaad
Deo Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 4:37 AM
Blessings! U r indeed blessed by great genes &godly grandparents, Valsa. What wealth do we really have, if we know (somehow, in those cases) an ancestor was a criminal
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:10 AM
I cannot claim that everyone in my family were like my grandparents. There were black sheep too, Anil. However we were blessed to have a gentleman as my grandpa and a compassionate soul like my grandma. Thank you for your kind words
Rose  Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 4:09 AM
Back in those days dear Valsa, marriages lasted, despite the fact that they were arranged, they took their vows seriously, Not like these days where divorce is as common as the flu. Thankyou for sharing the story of your beloved grandparents, Much appreciate your visit, stay well, much love Vie
George Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 3:06 AM
Those were days when marriage was considered a sacred bond and people were pledged to retain the sanctity of marital relationships. My grand father was well accepted in the community and had better knowledge than most of the locals. So he was much respected. My grandmother had to starve on many days as she gave her share of food to those neighbors in abject poverty. I remember to have listened to her lively stories. Thanks a lot dear Rose!
Buhagiar Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 1:11 AM
I salute your grandparents. They do not come like that these days. Blessings.
George Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 2:52 AM
Yes, their life was a model and they will continue to inspire. Thanks a lot Victor !
Cunningham Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 1:02 AM
A lovely tribute to your grandparents Valsa, I know it was the norm years ago to marry young. It seems to be the other way now with couples marrying when they're much okder Tom
George Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 2:51 AM
You are right. Now many don't wish to get married.... If they do they do it at a late age.... ! How times have changed . Thanks a lot Tom
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace