Marriage Grandfather Poems

Henry had not seen a woman like this in his life.
She was modestly covered, even her hands.
Wearing delicate tiny gloves like his grandma used to...

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New Shoes

"Grandpa, my shoes are too small, 
or maybe my feet or too big?"

"You are going to be ten foot tall, 
if you don't stop...

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Grandma Sews

Some yarn, a bit of ribbon, 
a flour sack, and loads of love... 
these are the materials
that made the dress I wore
the day I...

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My granddaughter’s dating
   her phone call I’m not awaiting

For she is nearly as foolish as me
assuming grandpa never knew a thing or three
...

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An old man in a tweed jacket stopped by to die
I had never met him before, and had wondered why
My sister and me were lured...

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Looking back, one thing comes clean-glass clear
you were always there for me subduing every fear.

I tried to do my duty, be a husband strong and...

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tercets

Braxton H. Gardner of north Kentucky, 
progenitor of our family tree.
His marriage date was 1833.

Braxton Charles S. Gardner from our archive,
was his youngest son, born...

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Edentulous but determined to bite almond,
grandpa’s ‘never give up’ spirit was evident,
grandma watched quietly, all bemused and jocund!
“anytime now there would be a bad accident!”

Those...

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Shadow Lights

Have you ever noticed? 
When you sit your hands upon the keys. 
If you close your eyes, 
just right...
not too tight, no peeking, but...

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Call Your Mother

Pick up the phone...
do it now. 
If you can.
Later if you must, 
I trust that you, 
know the difference. 

She never put you...

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The Perfect Christmas Gift

In a small bag, 
made of paper, 
the color of gold, 
old not new...
The handwritten letters, 
of a handful of kids, 
left...

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New Stomps
 
Today I have again, 
been told the value of my worth. 

Limitless...
or at least the value of 
new socks and shoes, 
by a...

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The Names of Angels

Caren, 
Sharon, 
Joy, 
Mary and Lee...
Do not fear, 
the names here, 
and you will see.

There are more, 
there are others, 
you know...

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Goodbye

I waved as you left the drive. 
I heard your sweet voice… 
ever cheerful.

Hours passed. 
I did the dishes. 
I cleaned up. 
I got ready...

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Pumpkin Pie

Warm fresh, aromatic…
nutmeg, cinnamon, clove(s)…ssss…. 

Butter crust, 
hand mixed, 
hand rolled,
by a 100 year old pin. 
Loved on,
by the cook. 

Flakes of heaven, 
peeled...

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