Best Fond Memories Poems
I lay cold and alone in complete and utter darkness
Never again to feel the sunlight upon my face
Alone yet never again lonely, no laughter, no tears, no more fears
Gone is the longing for companionship, the burden of love, nor hatred
Did I wish this? Is this bliss? Have I done this to myself? Or has life dealt me a cruel blow? Unable to right certain wrongs
Gone are the troubles we all must face, but, gone too are the joys
Perhaps not so many fond memories, but at least a few.
Surely, a few...
We weren't rich by any means
but our bellies were full and our clothes were clean
They didn't display those high priced names
but they wore fine just the same
We didn't ride around in fancy cars
Grandma saved pennies in a big glass jar
We learned early that money doesn't grow on trees
we also learned to say "thank you" and "please"
I mowed the grass in the summertime
My sister helped hang the clothes on the line
My cousin usually took out the trash
On Friday we'd each get seven dollars cash
At nigh we slept under a big window fan
It made the most comforting sound when it ran
We put a beaten on that old screen door
We must have popped it a million times or more
In the Fall we'd all gather up wood
and invite every kid in the neighborhood
Grandaddy would build us a pretty good fire
We'd all roast hotdogs on coat hanger wires
Our first roller skates had metal wheels
with rubber stoppers on the backs of the heels
We had a paved alley alongside the house
You could see sparks when we skated around
Every couple of years we'd get a new bike
We'd attach playing cards to all of the spikes
We'd attach them with grandma's wooden clothespins
so it would sound like our bikes had motorcycle engines
As I look back on our childhood
I think we had it pretty good
We didn't need all the fancy stuff
We had each other and that was enough
Grandma's house was our favorite place
We'd never felt more loved and safe
That old house was home to us
It was the best even when we'd fight and fuss
Those memories to me are so crisp and clear
I will always hold them very dear
Holding on to my Nan’s hand, we walked around the lake
The snow was deep all around and there were kids tying on skates
My Nan squeezed my hand and we set off to the little wooden café
Smoke was spiraling out of the stove pipe stack and to my surprise we went in
There was no money but my Nan told me she was buying me a treat
“You always miss out on the treats when everyone is around
Treats to them are sweets and you don’t like them and I understand that.”
The treat she had for me alone was a cup of hot milky Horlicks and a scone
A scone with no jam, and an unsugared drink. We watched the kids play
We sat watching the snow fall and she told me that ten American airmen had died there
Just where the children were playing, she had seen the crash happen
When life got her down a bit she would walk to the lake and buy a cup of tea
She had watched the oak trees that were planted as a memorial to the men grow
She knew that those men would have given anything to be where she was now
Short of money but with her granddaughter enjoying time together.
She smiled and squeezed my hand across the table.
My Nan taught me such a lot.
© 7/12/2012
Entry For ‘Fond Memories’ Contest sponsored By C Cornish
through the window i peered
intricate layers of lace
painted by old man winter
obscured my view of any visible signs
the snow outside was deep
but the emotions inside ran deeper
i remember waking Christmas morn
empty plate and cup littered the sink
fancy gifts. delicately placed
beneath the now silent tree
giggles of children covered the sounds
of ripping paper being scattered about
beneath the layers of red, green, gold,
topped with only a bow, i recall that doll
trying to summersault her way over to me
(better than i ever could) little “tumbelina”
the only gift i wished for, the only thing
that seemed to matter that Christmas day
to a child who still believed in the magic
of santa, his reindeer and sleigh
I want to share a few,
Fond memories of my dad,
With an experience or two,
Of the times together we had.
He was a carpenter by trade,
Just like Jesus used to be,
But the full time job with mom he made,
Was taking care of me.
I remember things we did together,
When I was five years old,
My first fishing trip, buying my first heifer,
And letting me ride a steer in a rodeo.
Fixing a racecar up together was fun,
It was for me to race someday,
Even though it was work that was done,
It seemed more like play.
It was in April of 2001,
When my dad helped me find a steer,
I named him Blazer and he was the one,
That I thought would bring a winning year.
I looked forward to the pick up day to be,
When my dad would be breaking in the steer,
And it would be just dad and me,
Because my mom, of that, she had a fear.
Before he had a chance to break her in,
He had a heart attack and had to rest,
He told me that I’d have to step in,
And just try to do my best.
I was a little worried and not so sure,
If I could even really do this stuff,
And since it had always been my dad before,
I waited for my dad to guide me when he had strength enough.
My dad wanted to help me more but he was too sick,
So I tried even harder this time around,
And Blazer sure didn’t like the show stick,
But I finally got him to walk with me on the ground.
And the time came that I knew then,
Blazer would be ready for the Auction show,
But my dad had another heart attack again,
And I realized there was life lesson for me to know.
The lesson that I have learned here,
Is that sometimes we really do,
Take for granted our family will always be there,
But you never know when they won’t be able to help you.
As the brightest star in the sky,
Reminds me of Nana, my dad’s mother,
There is now another bright star near by,
For dad and the love we shared with each other.
Written for Dustin 5/27/2003
Florence McMillian (Flo)
Like me, Jimmy had a passion
For writing poetry too
So I thought I’d write a special one
To share with all of you
For my cousin Jimmy Peoples
I have a lot of fond memories
From when we grew up together
With such loving families
After our Grand-daddy Gray
I was supposed to be named Lawrence
But since I was born a girl
I was given the name of Florence
Jimmy was born two months after me
And Lawrence was his middle name
Our childhood days were filled with joy
And happy memories will always remain
As we grew older through these 51 years
And the adult life kept us mostly apart
All of the fun, laughter and adventures
Feels just like yesterday in my heart
I developed a cousin family reunion
To keep all of our cousins in touch
To get together with all the families
To me, it really means so much
I trust in the Good Lord
As only He knows just when
It is the time for one of us
To come and join with Him
Though Jimmy is going home
With the Lord before we do
I’ll cherish all the precious memories
Until I reach Heaven too
Love, Flo
Florence McMillian (Flo)
It does my heart good thinking of childhood memories
When the only thing that was important were families.
Friends made at a young age have now become old friends.
But the family bonds that were made will never end.
With five brothers, a sister and very colorful parents
We had the ability to stand proud despite our appearance.
We lived south of town, many referred to as the boondocks
Our clothes came from catalogs and never store bought.
Father played guitar and harmonica, quite the music man
Every weekend at our home was gathered a different band.
My love for music came honestly from my dearest Dad
I would fill in playing instruments when no one else was to be had.
Mother had a heart of gold and people all around knew
If you walked in she'd ask, "Would you like a drink or some stew?"
Hobos from the train tracks would wonder to our doorstep
Knowing they'd be fed with hopes my father wouldn't catch.
Exciting were my summers spent with my Grandmother
She chose to take only me and never the others.
Her Irish ways and stern body of healthy stature
Made her a hard soul to understand but I so loved her.
Most of the friends of my parents had many children also
It was a pleasure to see them as they come and go.
My siblings were the only companions with which to play
So when company came over always one child would stay.
The Ohio River had many wondrous things to offer as a child
We would swim, fish or skip stones and then stop for awhile.
All gathered to drink Kool-Aid and eat sandwiches Mom made
Then back to the water and later begging to see who stayed.
Christmas holiday was especially joyous at our home
My parents would scurry to hide toys so not one was shown.
The many toys left by Santa underneath a fresh cut tree
All these warm memories of family are very special to me.
Note: For "Heart's Warmth" contest
"How sweet to the heart are the scenes of my childhood"
Samuel Woodworth, 1785-1842
With fond memories my heart embraces
childhood days of innocent impressions
and plush playmates with adoring faces
Dolls and tea sets were my prized possessions
Forming angels with friends in Winter's snow
and making silly facial expressions
I gathered wild flowers in the meadow
and plaited wreaths to wear in my long hair
Selling lemonade with my best friend, Jo.
In my younger days I didn't have a care
In make-up, pearls, and high heels, I was dressed
Ignoring Mom when she'd say, "Don't you dare!"
Affectionately, my fingers caressed
photos in scrapbooks of my early days
Years of my life when I was richly blessed
My vision is blurred by a teary haze
Recalling those years, today and always
November 25, 2020 ~ Terza Rima Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
Rhyming verified on RhymeZone
Syllables verified on HowManySyllables
Grammar and Spelling verified on PS Grammar Checker
(inspired by the poetry of Li Bai)
Beer I sip from a can
Stars tremble in my telescope
Drunk, I rise to fetch another can
New stars have entered my scope
©dbyrne April 2014
FOND MEMORIES
My thoughts brown
Even though they’ve watered through a period
Of bloom
A period of greens
Not until when the final byes were said.
In my sofa I seek answers
Taking a cursory sweep down memory lane
When we sat laughed, danced and drank
Today all is but history
Save for the large frame on the wall
Telling me that you are very much with me.
In it I see your smiles,
Your feminine gait
So full of live
This is what keeps me alive
You will always remain part of my world.
You and I by the Christmas Fire
Bing Crosby on the CD
I stare at your face
With a big smile across my face
The house is empty
There is no one home
So, we decorate the place.
Lighted candles in every space.
We put the presents where they belong
Waiting for the boys to get home.
So, they can help along.
When they arrive, what a surprise!
It is time to decorate the evergreen.
Colored lights, red and white
Ornaments last year seen
An angel on top, where she belongs
We gather around, sing some songs
The boys off to bed where
Sweet dreams drift in their minds
Waiting for Santa to make that big climb!
“Fond Memories Contest”
Oh, Cupid,
With your sharpest arrows,
Life’s most fond memories
You have
On
My heart engraved!
© Demetrios Trifiatis
01 SEPTEMBER 2014
The lights that blinds the moth at dusk
Is like the elephant’s white tusk,
Which charms the eye but robs the purse:
A gentle animal’s great curse.
Alike, when love by time is borne
Within a mind to duty sworn,
Fond memories the heart enslave
And both are carried to the grave.
Find my poems and published poetry volumes at www.eton-langford.com
I wait for the sun to rise,
I hold his wings in my hand,
Thinking of the good times,
Hoping they come again,
I hold his wings in my hand,
Surrounded by those I love,
Hoping they come again,
In search for the new day,
Surrounded by those I love,
Thinking of the good times,
In search for the new day,
I wait for the sun to rise.
I see it now in memory,
My mama’s dining table,
I’d like to sit at it again
If only I were able.
I get a fuzzy feeling when
I find them in recall,
Five brothers, Daddy, Sister
And Mama most of all.
We did not have to be called twice
To gather in our places.
A compliment to Mama’s food,
Were those eight eager faces.
A big bowl of potatoes and
A like sized plate of meat,
Mama’s delicious home made bread,
Some of the things to eat.
I sat in my own special chair
Right by my daddy’s side.
He filled my plate and cut my meat.
And gazed at all with pride.
We had not yet begun to scatter.
My older brothers were still there.
My entire world was in that room.
I lived with out a care.
I know the secret ingredient
Flavoring my Mama’s food
Was the love that saturated it
And made it taste so good.
I hope I’ve made you feel it
And have also made you see
Why Mama’s dining table is
My fondest memory.
3 way tie for 2nd place