Grandma's

AS the generations come and go
Its true, I didn't know you well
But I have fondest memories
Only I can share and tell.
We visited at the weekends
By the oven we did sit.
You, wrapped within your soft pink gown
As the gas flame hissed and spit.
With the elders deep in gossip
My eyes crept around the room
That yellow wall with small black squares
Still spin my head with gloom
The kettle whistled crudely
As the biscuit-tin lid popped
The conversation softened
When the clattering teaspoon dropped.
Then joey sang a chorus
Perched upon the open window sill
Your face would cast a gentle smile
Towards his melodious shrill
And I would still be kneeling
With your hand cupped over mine
Allowed to trace along your veins
- You never seemed to mind...
I remember you liked honey
On your cereal at morn'
And a drop of whiskey in your tea
Always helped to keep you warm.
You liked a little flutter
on the "GeeGee's"-twas a blast
You, shouting at the telly
Through a magnifying glass!
And I loved the big ol' sideboard
With its tiny brass-handled rings
Where I'd spend hour after hour
Twist and flicking at the things.
-It drove my mother mental
But it fascinated me so
The ping and ding from each good swing
If only she could know...
And when my cousin Sally
Came visiting one day
That Red-beaded plant intrigued us..
Sorry, some had gone astray...!
And on your bedroom table
Lay your hairbrush, comb and curl
Meticulously placed on a bed of lace
Decoratively inlaid with mother of pearl.
Where back into the kitchen
on a tall green dresser shelf
Stood a the largest jar of copper coins
You saved all by yourself.
And if the children had been good
You counted out a pound
And gave to your great grandchildren
They were the shiniest around!
But best of all, was at your side
Listening, as the tap dripped in the sink
All snuggled by the oven fire
With my Nan-all dressed in pink.

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Lucie, Lucie, Lucie.....I can't tell you how beautiful and precious those memories are to me as well..
God bless our Nanny G..... There'll never be another like her.
Thankyou for writing this wonderful poem...I'm so choked!!

Am so glad you liked it my lovely..xxxxx

Jin, do you have any memories of Grandpa?

Wow what lovely memories Lucie, that must have really hit Jinetty for six. Lovely poem and a very nice lady she was and missed by all of you. It's amazing the things that seemed so natural at the time stay in ones memory for all time to remember later as one grows older. You keep the memories of her life alive in your head for they never go away no matter how time passes.......

Well than you so for continuing to read Pete and for your lovely reply
..and Rich, Yes I believe a strong lady like Gt Nan will always be remembered and dearly missed.

Re-writing the poem