He was my papaw and he was my father's dad.
When he died in 1994, it was both tragic and sad.
If Papaw had survived, he would be celebrating his birthday.
If he hadn't died, he would've become 100 years old today.
He was born on July the 28th of 1923.
Today he would've lived for a century.
When Papaw took some medication, he became very sick.
He died six days after his birthday because he was allergic.
Dad was hurt by Papaw's death and so was I.
It's always painful to learn that a grandparent is going to die.
[Dedicated to Burley R. Johnson (1923-1994) who died on August 3, 1994]
Categories:
papaw, birthday, grandfather,
Form: Rhyme
Papaw was born in 1910 on the first of May.
He died a quarter of a century ago today.
After living a long life, he died at the age of 87.
Almost ten years ago, Mom joined him in Heaven.
He had six kids but the youngest didn't survive.
He was my grandfather while he was alive.
On February the 7th of 1998, it was Papaw's time to die.
He was my grandpa and it was sad when I said goodbye.
[Dedicated to Burkette Greene (1910-1998) who died 25 years ago today on February 7, 1998]
Categories:
papaw, anniversary, family, grandfather,
Form: Rhyme
"Get out of the kitchen"! I hear Gramma say
"It will be ready when its ready"
"Dont touch that pie"! "Thats for Company"
Turkey, fresh bread and spices fill the air
The kids are bouncing off the walls, Lions and Cowboys on TV
Daddy and the boys are out in the field hunting
"Look Papaw, its starting to snow", will it stick, he doesnt think so
Mama is setting the plates around the table
Everyone is quiet as Gramma brings out the platter
Ooos and awwws, smiles and laughter
Daddy starts to carve
Utensils clinking, food passed, chatter
Gramma is smiling "Who wants more"?
Mama, Auntie and big Sis are cleaning up the mess
Gramma is holding the baby
Papaw in his chair, loosening his belt
Give hugs to Gramma and Papaw
Time to go home
Oh, only to go back there once more
I hear my grandchildren running thru the door
Thanksgiving Memories Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Regina Riddle
10/25/19
Categories:
papaw, family, holiday,
Form: Free verse
"Get out of the kitchin"!
I hear Gramma say
"It will be ready when it ready"
"Dont touch that pie"!
"Thats for Company"
Turkey, fresh bread and spices
Fill the air
The kids are bouncing off the walls
Lions and Cowboys on TV
Daddy and the boys
Are out in the field hunting
"Look Papaw, its starting to snow"
Will it stick, he doesnt think so
Mama is setting the plates
Around the table
Everyone is quiet
As Gramma brings out the platter
Ooos and awwws
Smiles and laughter
Daddy starts to carve
Utensils clinking, food passed, chatter
Gramma is smiling
"Who wants more"?
Mama, Auntie and big Sis
Are cleaning up the mess
Gramma is holding the baby
Papaw in his chair
Loosening his belt
Give hugs to Gramma and Papaw
Time to go home
Oh, only to go back there once more
I hear my grandchildren
Running in the door
Thanksgiving Memory Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Regina Riddle
10/25/19
Categories:
papaw, family, holiday, love,
Form: Free verse
The Morning We received The Call Oh How The Tears Did Fall
She Went To Sleep Your Beautiful Bride, Your Best Friend
Woke Your Widow
Oh How I Pray Her Heart Will Mend
What We'd Do For One More Day
Thinking Of All The Thing's We Would Say
Today's The Day They Lay You To Rest
Wishing For Days This Hurts Less
Moments And Memories May Be All We Have Left
And For That We Are Truly Blessed
PAPAW
WILLIAM BURTON OSBORN
4/26/1939 - 9-19-2019
Categories:
papaw, bereavement, death, emotions, eulogy,
Form: I do not know?
My papaw died twenty-five years ago today.
It's been a quarter of a century since he passed away.
When he took a new medication, he became sick.
When Papaw took it, he turned out to be allergic.
If it hadn't been for Papaw, I wouldn't exist.
He died a long time ago and he's still missed.
(Dedicated to Burley Johnson who died on August 3, 1994.)
Categories:
papaw, death, dedication, grandfather,
Form: Rhyme
Bri and I lying cuddled on the hammock just before night
Looking up to the skies with anticipation of a glorious sight
Watching the clouds travel while creating imagery to view
As we pointed to the artwork created before our eyes anew
Look Papaw! with excited voice she pointed out to me
The perfect teddy bear which she wanted
me to see
It was so: two ears, a nose, and those two precious eyes
Then a puppy dog was formed as the clouds passed on by
Laughing as we were looking for more artwork to form
While making up new things, being silly became the norm
Oh what joy as I held my grand baby just before night
The moment to cherish, while I held her so lovingly tight
Categories:
papaw, adventure, blessing, childhood, dream,
Form: Enclosed Rhyme
You died twenty years ago today.
On February 7, 1998, you passed away.
You were born in 1910 and died at the age of eighty-seven.
Twenty years ago, you left this Earth and went to Heaven.
You became a widower in 1957 and had your kids to finish raising.
You finished raising your kids by yourself and that was amazing.
When you died, it was something that I hated.
You were my Papaw and you were appreciated.
(Dedicated to Burkette Greene who died on February 7, 1998.)
Categories:
papaw, appreciation, death, dedication, farewell,
Form: Rhyme
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
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
Sunday March 6, 2016 was the day,
the day that you went away--
only 47 you was much to young,
seems like your life just begun--
you had so much more to do,
and we had more to say like "I Love You"--
please tell me its all just a dream,
cause sometimes i dont know to cry or scream--
so glad your in no more pain,
sometimes i feel like im going insane--
wasn't ready to see you go,
but the babies will always know--
that they had a papaw that loved them so,
and will always be our hero--
i dont know how much i can take,
when theres so much heartache--
waiting on you to heal,
it just seems so unreal--
a great father.., always happy and strong,
but wished you are here, where you belong--
everyday i die a little more inside,
since my world turned upside--
Categories:
papaw, loss,
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
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
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
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
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