Carolyn Devonshire Poet Rhyme

Silver Strands

Silver Strands

Platinum it was, not a hint of gold
Silver tiara was grandma’s crown
Brushed over her head, to a bun rolled
She always refused to wear it down

It shone in the sun silvery bright
Her bun boasted a badge of honor
Holocaust survivor fled at night
Now in the free world as a senior

Nazi tattoos, numbers on her arm
Smallpox  scars were evident too
But they never filled her with alarm
A lucky lass, she had made it through

A dark-haired teen had boarded a boat
Marrying a man she met at sea
Just their clothes, nothing else to tote
Seeking the Statue of Liberty

Each silver strand was born of worry
For family in Poland left behind
Her escape had been made in a hurry
In a brave quest for freedom to find


*Written for Susan and Andrea’s “Silver Strands” contest and inspired by my maternal grandmother’s escape to freedom

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Kim Merryman December 13, 2011 at 6:22 PM Enjoyed reading your poem, Carolyn. Congrats on your win. Kim

Andrew Crisci December 13, 2011 at 6:16 AM Congratulations on your win, Carolyn in Susan's and Andrea's contest, " Silver Strands ". You have told a beautiful story. It's the sad story of survival and hope of your grandmother, " Her escape in a brave quest for freedom to find. Thank your for your kind comments." I wish you Happy Holidays and hope that you are doing fine. Hugs, Andrew.

Charlotte Puddifoot December 12, 2011 at 3:42 PM congrats on your 1st place carolyn, a very interesting and personal take on the contest :-)

Carol Sunshine Brown December 12, 2011 at 8:18 AM Congratulations on your win in Susan's "Silver Strands" contest Carolyn. Love, Carol

Carol Eastman December 12, 2011 at 7:15 AM Congratulations on a perfect win. A most impressive write. Facinating story to honor such a person as she.

Debbie Guzzi December 12, 2011 at 5:39 AM I new this would be a big winner! Congrad's Light & Love

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl December 11, 2011 at 8:20 PM Congratulations a worthy winner x

Andrea Dietrich December 11, 2011 at 4:26 PM Congratulations on this inspiring poem about your grandmother, Carolyn. What a woman!!

Connie Marcum Wong December 11, 2011 at 3:57 PM What a wonderful, beautiful tribute to a beloved lady. This one brought tears to my eyes Carolyn, and is so deserving of your number one win. I am saving this one in my favorite poems file. Thank you for moving me so. Congratulations to a lovely descendant of this heroic lady. Your poetic story is told so wonderfully.

Gwendolen Song December 11, 2011 at 2:53 PM Your grandmother is my hero! I have goosebumps just thinking of all she endured. Her silver strands are magnificent. I would have loved to meet her..wow. Love, Gwendolen

Bob Quigley December 11, 2011 at 2:48 PM Very nice Carolyn. Congratulations to both you and your grandmother.

Joyce Johnson December 11, 2011 at 2:25 PM Wonderful story, Carolyn. I applaud its win. Love, Joyce

David Williams December 11, 2011 at 1:36 PM Carolyn congrats on your win, brilliant poem..David

Natalie The Rogue Rhymer December 11, 2011 at 10:28 AM Wowza Carolyn-This is genius! A big congrats. to you :)

Kash Poet December 11, 2011 at 10:27 AM An amazing story you have penned here Carolyn.Congrats on your 1st place win.

Jack Horne December 9, 2011 at 2:46 PM What an amazing lady your granmother was, Carolyn. A beautiful tribute to her

Sara Kendrick December 2, 2011 at 4:34 PM Enjoyed reading your family history work..Reads like winning material to me..So many wonderful people suffered at the hands of the enemy malnourishment, brutal treatment, seeing family members die, and so many died..She must have been a very strong person...Sara

Daver Austin December 2, 2011 at 3:56 PM Great narrative poem, Carolyn. As a musician I used to know Jews, fellow musicians, who had escaped the holocaust. Love, daver

Steven Cooke December 2, 2011 at 11:21 AM one of the lucky few. let us never forget. excellent write

Carrie Richards December 2, 2011 at 9:01 AM Wow, Carolyn, what a wonderful triumph to overcome such a horrific threat, and to think this was your grandmother! Her story, like others that are similar, are proof of the human spirit. What a wealth of history you share. No wonder you hold the power of poetry, with such inspiration.

Harry Horsman December 2, 2011 at 8:50 AM A true story of worth, Carolyn, enhanced by your own awesome talent, this is a wonderful tribute to your grandmother, just as it was poems fascinate me especially from this era. harry

Tony Lane December 2, 2011 at 7:13 AM What a story! Great work.

David Williams December 2, 2011 at 6:52 AM Carolyn very nicely written, she was one of the few lucky one's then, good luck..David

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen December 2, 2011 at 3:23 AM Wow, Carolyn. This is an amazing poem and an even more amazing family history. I am so glad she made it to freedom...or we would have never met! I love you, my friend. This one is definitly a winner in my view.

Joe Maverick December 2, 2011 at 12:20 AM Carolyn i obviosley had no idea.. a strong person then.. did she give you any input as you grew up? and pleased i looked you up.!

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