Best Papaw Poems
We lost more than just a Dad that day
We lost half of how we came to be
We lost we four girls first love
We lost our Best Friend
We lost more than just a Dad that day
Our Mom lost her Soul Mate, Her other half
Our children lost their Papaw
We lost our family’s foundation
We lost the glue that held us together
We lost more than just a Dad that day
We lost the Strongest man we ever knew
We lost the man we looked up too
We lost we four girls Teacher of many things
We lost more than just a Dad that day
We four girls lost our Hero
We lost some of our Light
We lost part of our Heart
We lost part of our Soul
We lost more than just a Dad that day
We lost some of our Courage
We lost some of our Strength
We lost some of our will to fight back
We lost some of our will to carry on
We four girls lost more than a Dad
We lost more than just a Dad that day
Categories:
papaw, absence, angst, best friend,
Form:
Epic
Car doors slam, country quiet broken
A race ensues… front door flies open
Dogs start barking, excitedly running
A happy day... grandsons are coming
Overnight bags in a flash are dropped
Energy released can never be stopped
"Papaw! Momo! We're here!" they yell
All that is missing is a ringing doorbell
Hugs, big smiles, checking all rooms
We stay mostly outside all afternoon
A walk up the driveway for a short hike
Playing on porch or riding their bikes
At supper they tell all that they know
Story after story and swear it is so
Baths, snacks, teeth brushed and bed
Tucked in kisses after prayers are said
Tired dogs look at us with questioning eyes
Is this temporary or for the rest of our lives?
Beside each child they settle for the night
On alert for a sign something's not right
Exhausted, we smile at our pride and joys
Grateful to have this time with the boys
8/10/16
Pure Childlike Fun and Enthusiasm Contest by Carin Krutsinger
Third Place - June 2018
Categories:
papaw, appreciation, blessing, grandchild, grandparents,
Form:
Rhyme
I open up a photo album,
Seeing your bright face
Filled with smiles, laughter and joy
gleaming with such grace
A scholar in such things
Such as farming, God and love
A savior to those whom you've given
knowledge from above
A man such as you, I can only hope to render
My life seems incomplete without your helping hand
When dealing with my problems, I know you'd have the words
You'd look at me and say, "My dear, don't put your faith in man."
What a wonderful man you were, filled with such love
But I don't have a memory or nothing of the sort
Just a smile on a photograph, withered over time
Without a marveled influence, I think I've been cut short
Categories:
papaw, death, faith, family,
Form:
Rhyme
You were my Grandfather but I called you Papaw instead.
It hurt very much when Mom told me that you were dead.
When you died, the flower shop sold out of flowers and had to start selling trees.
That proved that many people loved you and knowing that was sure to please.
Your death brought about pain that we couldn't ignore.
We were all devastated when you passed away in 1994.
It doesn't seem like you've been dead for twenty years.
Your death brought a lot of misery and plenty of tears.
You died less than three weeks before I turned twenty-three.
You were very special and all of your family and friends agree.
Even though you've been dead for many years, your spirit continues to live on.
You still live in our hearts and that proves that you're not gone.
(Dedicated to Burley Johnson who died on August 3, 1994.)
Categories:
papaw, death, dedication, grandfather, grandson,
Form:
Rhyme
Ponytails and blue jeans
Sat at Papaw's knee,
Watching as he whittled
On old branches from a tree.
And while he talked of cowboys
And big old Texas ranches,
He trimmed away the rough spots,
While I dreamed of pony dances.
A wild stick horse remuda
Began to run and play,
With every loving stroke,
As he peeled the bark away.
Using his "Old Timer"
And carving in my brand,
The best that he could find
And cut and shape with his own hand.
Now, each one of them was special,
And I felt I was too,
As they kicked up dust behind
This cowgirl buckaroo.
With reins of pink hair ribbon,
Shoe strings and baling twine,
There was "Buckin' Birch" and "Oakie,"
And "Ole Sticky" made of pine,
"Sassafras," and "Blackjack,"
"Willow," "Blaze," and "Scat,"
I never did corral 'em --
I just left 'em where they sat.
But next mornin', on the front porch,
'stead of roamin' wild and free,
They'd found their hitchin' rail,
‘cause Papaw lined 'em up for me.
Along our trails together
There were many lessons learned,
Like bein' a cowboy through and through
Is something that you earn
We'd partner up together,
And team up in cahoots,
Once he defied my Mama,
Bought me red cowboy boots.
And often, when I wondered
What to do on down the road,
He'd always tell me, "little girl,
When you get there you will know,"
Sometimes you have to let things go,
Sometimes you stand and fight,
And anything worth doin',
Is still worth doin' right.
With my wild stick horse remuda,
We rode the range for miles,
I knew I'd won my Papaw's heart
By the way he'd laugh and smile,
I still have his sweat-stained Stetson,
His boots, and his old knife,
Sometimes I take them out
Just to measure up my life.
And hold him closer to my heart,
And know I have to try,
To live up to the honor
Of the wonder-days gone by.
On my stick horse remuda,
I learned the cowboy way,
I’d give up everything I own
To ride with him today.
My wild stick horse remuda
Was quite the varied band,
Born and bred with me in mind
And trained by his own hand.
I’m longing for the legends,
And the way we used to roam,
With my wild stick horse remuda,
And the man that we called "Home."
Categories:
papaw, childhood, cowboy-western, family, nostalgia,
Form:
Cowboy Poetry
If only you was here with us you would
have been 65 today. Things haven't been
the same since you left us on January 12th.
But I know you are in God's hands now. And
with Grandma, where you wanted to be since
you lost her.
It has ripped my whole world into a million
pieces since you left me here all alone. But I
Know you will never have to suffer again.
Cause you suffered way too long, trying to
hang on to be here for us.
I know you wanted me to be strong and not
hurt like I have. But Daddy, when you love
someone as much as I love you, it's hard not
to cry or hurt. I am lost too death without
you by my side.
Even though I didn't always show you or
tell you and we didn't always get along. I
wish I could turn back time, so I could let
you know that....I always have been Daddy's
Girl and always will be. I love and miss you
so....I'm sorry I never got to say Good-Bye
or the chance to let you know just how
much you meant to me. But I know in my
heart you know and in my heart you will
always be...
We Sure Do Miss You!!!!!
Categories:
papaw, death, father, loss, love,
Form:
My roots are were love begins gram paw was my best friend
Always loving and caring for me till the end
We always talk loved an shared to each other everything
As I walk to the stone that bears his name it's only a small reminder
Of his love he showed an the tear that I shed from pain
We were best of all friends never new till the end
He showed me everything I no pleas lord send me to heaven so I can see him agin
I grew up on a farm that was his whenever I needed to cry he lint his arm
Never backing down from me when I did right or wrong alway their
Showing me what life should be he was my true friend even past the end
I love you papaw till we meet agin my gram-paw and best friend
Categories:
papaw, grandfather,
Form:
ABC
All of our lives changed for good.
We’d all change it if we could.
We’d all bring back Clay,
For just another day.
Oh, all the things we would say.
If we knew,
He’d never see the next morning dew.
The hardest thing to say, Goodbye.
Although if we said this, it’d be a lie.
Because we’ll all see him some other day.
Because of the price, the good lord paid.
And in the Lord we will find our strength.
To deal with this time of struggle and length.
Without a person who was so near
So dear
To our hearts
And will be to the end and has been from the start.
Many of us just lost :
A friend.
A Brother.
An Uncle.
A Papaw,
A Son.
But for me and my sisters,
We lost the one who used to cover our blisters.
The one who changed our dirty dippers.
And when we would cry, he’d act as windshield wipers
The one who tries to help us cope.
The one that for us has high hopes,
The one when we’d mess up, he’d get mad.
The one we got to call dad.
I’m sorry for being mean, rude, obnoxious, loud.
But ill do my best to make you proud
It’s hard not knowing.
The pain I believe is showing.
We don’t ever know,
When it’s someone’s time to go.
We leave them with anger and rage,
Without a thought that soon
All too too Soon
Have to start a new chapter. Turn the page.
With the lights turned down dim.
Without him.
Looking into the future may seam a little grim
Not knowing what to do without him.
The way he’d rub my feet,
After I came home tired and with defeat.
The way he would just talk and talk.
And back on the trail, we’d walk and walk.
Or maybe even ride our bikes.
Either way its all alike.
Picking a few of the prettiest flowers
And at home in a vase they’d tower.
Wishing he was still here.
Because his time just didn’t seam near.
It isn’t what any of us would of thought.
Its what any of us would of fought.
Many of us fighting it now.
Sitting with silence and tears wondering how?
Haven’t eaten. Haven’t slept.
But the Lords plans we’ll soon have to accept.....
Categories:
papaw, daughter, death, dedication, father,
Form:
Free verse
My Grandma
I remember when I was young
And you were young
Now you're old
And I've been told
That you must go
Don't you know
I love you so?
I can't let go
I won't let go
I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry,
Grandma!
My Mymaw
My Grandpa
My Papaw
Now my Grandma
He's taking you all.
It makes me mad. It makes me sad.
I need ya'll.
Our Linda.
Our Angel.
Your daughter.
I love ya'll!
I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry,
Grandma!
Oh, Grandma...
Remember when you held me...
On your knees?
And You loved me.
That's what I need.
Don't leave me.
I love you.
I always will.
You know...
I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry. I don't wanna cry,
Grandma!
Categories:
papaw, angst, death, sad, love,
Form:
You know a tractor is not a toy
Not a play thing for a little boy
But when cradled in its seat
Life became for me a treat
Behind its wheel I learned to drive
Found happiness in being alive
Released her clutch without a lurch
My world had fullness from that perch
But these are the tales of a day gone by
I remember them sometimes with a sigh
The days grow duller with the passage of time
But these are the memories that make life rhyme
I’ve gained knowledge from scholars face to face
Benefited from their degrees and grace
I gained wisdom on an H Farmall
From an old man in bib overalls.
I have traveled this country far and wide
I have crossed the ocean to the other side
But some of the finest things I ever saw
Were on the farm, with the H, and my Papaw.
Categories:
papaw, childhood, devotion, education, faith,
Form:
Rhyme
You are not yet born but I love you so,
excited for your arrival in ech day that you grow.
I look forward to meeting you for the very first time,
happy to have you sweet grandbaby of mine.
Ten little fingers and ten little toes,
with a sweet little face and a little button nose.
I imagine holding you and rocking you while you sleep,
while angels protect you safely they will keep.
You are a gift to our family sent from above,
assured you will be so greatly loved.
I can't wait to hold your tiny hand in mine,
the greatest gift of all a love so divine.
I imagine your smile so sweet as you sleep,
sleeping so soundly not even a peep.
You make me so proud I could walk on air,
winning a million dollars could not even compare.
The day of you arrival will be a time to rejoice,
looking forward to the sounds of your sweet little voice.
I look forward to meeting you handsome baby boy,
so me and papaw can give you your very first toy.
Categories:
papaw, baby, birth, emotions, family,
Form:
Rhyme
Here he stands
In the light
At the gate
Waiting patiently
Years past
Flowers drop
Tree's die
His life is no more
Here he stands
Waiting on me
When i do not show
He cries
He misses me
Here he stands
In the light
At the gate
Waiting patiently
A year past
I cry myself to sleep
And I die on my bed
There he stands
Smiling at me
I say "Papaw".
I missed you dearly
He said "Your my baby girl".
I say "Here he stands".
Categories:
papaw, death, faith, family, life,
Form:
Light Verse
When you see sugarplum reindeer pulling, a chocolate Santa in a golden sleigh It may have not been the dragée little protégée when you dance with a ginger man, at his house when three Christmases, become a nightmarish hole, made of marshmallows. It may have not been the snort of whiskey, in a mug where fairies, spirits or witches have their way dreams and your papaw becomes grampus hell bent like Krampus it may have not been the dragée little protégée it may have not been the snort of whiskey, in a mug but you were bitten by a little thing called, the humbug
Categories:
papaw, christmas, dream, humor,
Form:
Free verse
I want a hurricane named after me
I want to live in Jamacia
I like peanut butter
Do they have peanut butter in Jamacia?
See that yellow car?
It keeps following us
I saw Papaw!
I saw his bald head!
I can't brush my teeth
my toothbrush sessipeard
I'm allergic to sweet potatoes
the birds are calling my name!
MAAAC.... MAAAC!
Moma... I love you
I Love you too Baby
Categories:
papaw, family, happiness, life, upliftinglove,
Form:
Listing long lists of church leaders longing for forgiveness, healing ...
Listing members and loved ones (& PKs: Preachers' kids) now "unbelieving"
For you will agree with me, it takes more faith to believe in Science today
L, then, for loved ones with requests for prayer
Let it be known, there is power and love in praying, group prayer,
Seems to be what is suggested in the Scriptures (Hebrews 10:25)
"Not forsaking of the assembling of ourselves together ...
as you see the day [That DAY OF THE LORD] appearing"
So, even as we move on to Mozambique, recovering
From its long war of independence with Portugal, civil strife,
And corrupt governance, as almost everywhere else besdies ...
LORD, let Mozambique know the Gospel that is recorded
Word by word, in humility before Thy Spirit of Holiness,
WE pray to spread no lies, no man-made doctrine, get-rich Gospel
But the call of Jesus for a "dying-to-self" as on a Cross
Much like a candle to His Sunshine (Sonshine)-
We must die, to be born-again, not hate, complain, whine ...
Death is daily, like Nature's plants and trees, to yield to us
Like that seed, we too must die to selfishness, to be fruitful
So, I have detoured from the ABC and XYZ prayer list
Which I had begun last night, hoping to get to Z today:
Instead I plan to pray Saturday morning where Buddy Ogden is
That 90-something gentleman-saint, builder of faithful saints
Who want to serve (not be served). He found & polished old pews
And a model of a family man, father, Papaw, and great grandad
I must intercede at the health facility, rebuke that Cancer
In the will of YHWH Rafah, LORD my Healer, for we need this man around
Men who can stand up to smooth-talking pastors & politicians,
Hiding in the Church. Men who obey Jesus, not Caesar-as-Savior. Amen
(c)Deo
Categories:
papaw, 12th grade, atheist, bible,
Form:
Abecedarian