Home » Poems » Paul Callus » To My Granddaughter

Notes About The Poem

Placed 1st in Contest 540 Hosted by Brian Strand in Jan 2019.

Lighthouse Poetry Contest Sponsored by Eve Roper Placed joint first POTD on 24th Dec 2018 © 22nd December 2018.

Note: This is a poem dear to me, as the title would suggest, so receiving a POTD award undoubtedly brought added satisfaction.

To My Granddaughter

I look and ponder, watch you grow in haste
Explore with wonder, new experience taste
No fear encountered as you learn the ropes 
Your sails adjusting, full with winds of hope.

But there are moments when the seeds of doubt
Without much warning spread and start to sprout 
Then you need guidance, words which shed some light  
Advice and promptings which once more excite.

I weigh my options when the waves rise high,
Stay in the background, tactful, on standby,
Not interfering, yet with cautious eye
Give needed help should threats intensify. 

I am a lighthouse built on sound terrain 
In times of darkness, you won’t call in vain.

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This poem has been published in a PoetrySoup Anthology:
“Radiant Verses” Nov 2024	 (print) 
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Placed 1st in Contest 540 Hosted by Brian Strand in Jan 2019.
 
Lighthouse Poetry Contest Sponsored by Eve Roper Placed joint first POTD on 24th Dec 2018 © 22nd December 2018.
 
Note: This is a poem dear to me, as the title would suggest, so receiving a POTD award undoubtedly brought added satisfaction.

grandchildlighttrustsonnet

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thriveni c mysore

Date: 11/25/2024 11:30:00 PM

Congratulations dear poet. So happy to read you in 'Radiant verses' . 'I am a lighthouse'-indeed you are for inspiration and refreshing poetry. Cheers.

Paul Callus
Date: 11/26/2024 7:23:00 AM

Thank you Thriveni. Your complimentary remarks are truly appreciated. (I ordered 'Radiant verses' as soon as it was published, but am still waiting for it) Regards // paul

Angela Crabtree

Date: 12/15/2020 4:57:00 PM

This is a magnificent write, Paul. At times I think of my grandparents. More so during the holidays. I miss them :)

Paul Callus
Date: 12/16/2020 3:12:00 AM

Thank you so much, Angela. Even at my age, I still miss my grandparents; I have so many special memories of them! ~ Regards // paul

Anisha Dutta

Date: 11/19/2019 12:35:00 AM

So NICE. As a Grandmother of a little angel, I can feel the strong emotion. CONGRATS Paul on your POTD Honor. The poem deserves repeated read. Regards.

Paul Callus
Date: 11/23/2019 4:32:00 PM

Awww .. how lovely to have these lovely visits by grandmothers in quick succession:) Thank you for your lovely comments and congrats, Anisha. Regards // paul

Ilene Bauer

Date: 11/19/2019 12:10:00 AM

This is a perfect metaphor for a lighthouse, Paul, and a beautiful poem. As a grandmother myself, I can totally relate to it. A pleasure to read!

Paul Callus
Date: 11/23/2019 4:29:00 PM

Thank you, Ilene. I am sure you find much satisfaction in being a grandmother! Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/10/2019 3:11:00 PM

this one has so many comments on it, I wonder if I am among them, but it seems like one I have not read before. I see you got success in a contest with it, so congrats on a deserved win with this thoughtful poem to a granddaughter.

Paul Callus
Date: 7/10/2019 3:30:00 PM

Thank you, Andrea. I'm sorry I give you a hard time searching for poems which might have eluded you! I hope that one of these days Soup Adm will find a solution to save us precious time!! ~ Best regards // paul

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 5/3/2019 8:37:00 AM

Thanks Paul. It’s a great chance to show appreciation for great poetry without excluding people.

Paul Callus
Date: 5/3/2019 1:44:00 PM

I agree. Other contests for newcomers would also make sense; gives them a chance to 'advertise' their wares! Regards // paul

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/28/2019 6:05:00 AM

I remember reading this beauty a couple of times Paul. It is definitely worth a third read. Congratulations on your success with it and with your win this contest. xxoo

Paul Callus
Date: 4/28/2019 3:27:00 PM

Many thanks, Connie; your sincere support is much appreciated. Hope you've been enjoying the weekend. Regards // paul

Sandra Haight

Date: 4/27/2019 6:14:00 PM

Such words of wisdom in your beautiful, wonderfully expressed Sonnet, Paul! I can relate so well, having three granddaughters (now mature young women), and watching them grow up. A belated congrats on your POTD honor, previous placements and now your podium placement in Richard's contest! Sandra

Paul Callus
Date: 4/28/2019 4:09:00 AM

Thank you for a most pleasant visit and for the insightful comments and congrats, Sandra. Having 3 mature granddaughters is certainly something to be proud of! ~ Regards // paul

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 4/25/2019 9:33:00 AM

So glad you entered my contest so that I read this piece. Congrats on your win Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/25/2019 9:50:00 AM

Thank you, Richard. I think your contest, or something similar to it, ought to be emulated by other sponsors; a better chance for beautiful poetry to receive due recognition. ~ Best regards // paul

Edlynn Nau

Date: 4/15/2019 10:18:00 AM

Loved this sonnet and thought how much I’d love someone in my life to be a lighthouse like this. Allowing me my own choices and giving me the ability to live a good life but acting as a safety net and beacon so I’d know where I was going. You have been writing in ever so many genres while I’ve been gone. Amazing growth. I hope to try more too if I ever get to one back more consistently. Love seeing all your contest entries. Great! fun!

Paul Callus
Date: 4/15/2019 3:14:00 PM

Thank you for the lovely and insightful comments, Edlynn. I noticed that you not only came back, but you also brought your muse along with you! Looks like she is eager to make up for lost time:) ~ Regards // paul

Debbie Duncan

Date: 3/8/2019 10:11:00 PM

Nicely done with your first place :)

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2019 9:53:00 AM

Thank you, Debbie. Best regards // paul

Jack Horne

Date: 2/21/2019 11:58:00 AM

this is so touching & beautiful - & a great sonnet too. I'm not surprised it won the contest!

Paul Callus
Date: 2/21/2019 1:36:00 PM

Thank you on all counts, Jack. Best regards // paul

John Fleming

Date: 1/17/2019 2:28:00 PM

Had me wondering what is was all about...until the last couple of lines that is. Clever how you brought it all together - nicely finished! My very best regards to you, Paul...and here is hoping you have a rewarding and fruitful New Year also. Cheers! :) john

Paul Callus
Date: 1/17/2019 4:19:00 PM

Thank you for your honest feedback, John. I hope that both the new year and your muse have been treating you well:) Best regards // paul

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 1/14/2019 10:28:00 AM

This wonderful poem deserves to be at the top of the best new poems list Paul! Congratulations! : ) xxoo

Paul Callus
Date: 1/14/2019 10:48:00 AM

Thank you, Connie. It was a pleasant surprise to find it at the top of the list! Regards // paul

Jan Allison

Date: 1/13/2019 6:45:00 PM

delighted to see you at the top of best new poems. congrats to you Paul i am sure Valentina is thrilled with your success:-) hugs Jan xx

Paul Callus
Date: 1/14/2019 10:19:00 AM

Thank you, Jan. Valentina likes everything her nannu does, and yes, she is proud to have inspired this poem!:) Hugs // paul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 1/13/2019 9:29:00 AM

You look great at the #1 spot on best poem chart..congrats Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 1/14/2019 7:40:00 AM

I had nor realized, Vijay! Thank you for bringing me good news:) Regards // paul

L. J. Carber

Date: 1/13/2019 7:04:00 AM

Congrats Paul- I love the final couplet!

Paul Callus
Date: 1/13/2019 8:39:00 AM

Pleased that you enjoyed, L.J. Thank you and regards // paul

Greg Gaul

Date: 1/12/2019 6:28:00 PM

Measured and wise words to the grands. Well done, Paul. This is the time to send wisdom of your years to those you care about. Knowing when to speak may be the wisest thing of all. Namaste.

Paul Callus
Date: 1/13/2019 8:38:00 AM

Thank you for liking, and for the wise comments, Greg. Regards // paul

Wren Rushing

Date: 1/12/2019 3:45:00 PM

Congratulations Paul on your win!

Paul Callus
Date: 1/12/2019 3:47:00 PM

Thank you, Wren. Enjoyed your winning entry, too. Regards // paul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 1/12/2019 3:31:00 PM

I am so glad to see this poem win the honors it deserves. Congrats Paul on your first place in Brian’s contest. Regards.

Paul Callus
Date: 1/12/2019 3:41:00 PM

Thank you, Vijay; you did very well yourself...pleased to share honours with you! Regards // paul

Heidi Sands

Date: 1/12/2019 3:30:00 PM

Congratulations for your win in Brian's contest Paul! :)

Paul Callus
Date: 1/12/2019 3:40:00 PM

Thank you, Heidi. Pleased to see you standing on the same podium as myself :) Regards // paul

Gary Smith

Date: 1/12/2019 2:17:00 PM

Lovely sonnet Paul. congrats. :)

Paul Callus
Date: 1/12/2019 3:07:00 PM

Thank you, Gary. Best regards // paul

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 1/12/2019 12:30:00 PM

Another win for this outstanding sonnet, which I remember so well. Congratulations on your win in Brian's contest! Best wishes, Carolyn

Paul Callus
Date: 1/12/2019 3:07:00 PM

Thank you for coming back with congratulations, Carolyn. I just made it to the contest and ended on the winners' list! Hugs // paul

Vera Duggan

Date: 1/11/2019 10:45:00 PM

Now this is my favourite style, I am in love with sonnets and this one is beautiful such a lot of advise for our granddaughters, just letting them know we are here for them, so well written Paul, loved it Take care.......Vera

Paul Callus
Date: 1/12/2019 9:09:00 AM

Thank you, Vera...such a pleasure to have you stopping by! Take care and enjoy the weekend. // paul