O’ child of my child’s,
push your tiny shoulder to my side
and let me tell you,
about the severed tree.
See?
Once, right there,
Apples fell like scarlet drops in rain.
and on that withered bench,
covered with cheese cloth and bowls,
we sat.
Where, close as you are,
Mother sat near me
and together we spun
I’d swear-
a hundred pies!
Sipped on liquid laughter
of tea and ginger.
and there,
she spoke of
Her doting amber years.
days of copper suns
Chimes jingling
in lilac-morning curtains
Sundays smelled of chicken stew
orange-crush cups
and cocoa prayers.
kitchens swarmed with
anxious steel-haired women
in ruffle-onion aprons.
All of this and more,
from the limbs of
that tree where my babies
climbed to hide
or search for nesting doves.
but mostly the apples,
lots of those, falling red ovals
where bees share its nectar- wine.
The flat stump,
though lifeless and still
a chair for you and me,
to stare, tell
and remember
evermore.
Painting-Paths in Orchard by Renoir
Author notes
This is true, and needless to say, bittersweet. "Dedicated to our darling granddaughter."
Hey honey. I'll keep the seat warm for you...and always leave a light on.
Written April 18th, 2003
In a list
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Comments
1 - 41 of 41
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Fantastic to level unknown
Mom....you never fail to impress me.I live to honor your upbringing and make you proud every day of my life. Love you so much! -
it sounds like u did a pretty good job on this poem.i bet u miss korinne now that she is in an apartment.aunt dianne i love this poem!by the way i sprained my finger today
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Very Good
That was really good. I like how it flowed from one line to the next so naturally. It said so much without saying too much(I hope that makes sense!). -
How kind you are. "Apple Chair" is one of my favorites as well!
Yes, I am published. It's been a long road, and though it's getting shorter (as I grow older), there are still detours.
I hope to read some of your work very soon.Merci, CookieZeal/D -
Wow! What a remerkable piece! I don't even know what to say. This poem touched me deeply. You are a very talented writer. Has any of your work been published? 10/10 for sure!
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This is truly a beautiful piece, charming indeed. Fresh and bright and yet sedate, I found this piece remarkably soothing. Thank you for yet another brilliant piece of poetry.
Sam. x -
i really liked this poem it reminded me of when me and my grandma were walking to take me to kindergarden when i was a little kid this poem reminded me of my past and that is why i like this poem keep writing because i really like your poems they are cool and awesome
mini-desire -
Having two lovely little granddaughters, this really touched my heart, I loved the colorful and discriptive images you paint with your pen, at the same time reminding me of my grandmother, even after death, a powerful and positive force in my life, I hope to be as much to my sweet girls, so thank you for the trip from memory lane on up to the present. Such a beautiful piece! *Di*
Edited on Jul 21, 2:37 because ''. -
Completely gorgeous.........Is your grand daughters name Korinne?
My daughters is Corinne...........How sweet this is.....a nice tribute to her as you commented on 'Phillip'.........I really enjoyed this...........thank you so much......lisa anne -
Cookie, its hard to describe what i feel when i read this, maybe because i'm in the second half of my first century, or maybe just because its such good poetry in itself.. but it seems to be such a safe place to be, and climbing into this poem just seemed natural. Its so lovely, its so poignant, its so real and those memories, ahh, they will never fade. The wonderment of this is that through this work you can pass it on to everyone that would want it. I, for one, embrace it. Bravo.
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don\'t change a thing, must read, awesome pc.
I am speechless! This is one of my most favorite reads thus far at AP. Not surprised it was written by you, though. You're so gifted and talented. What imagines you created here. I'm glad it is a true story! We all have them tucked away by midlife. I knew I recognized the painting but (don't laugh) my forgetter couldn't find the mental file! Draw back to pain meds., I've forgotten more than a lot of young adults will ever learn. This is magical and pulls this grandma's heart strings. -
This made me recall times gone by and made me want to return to that place of peace and warmth. This was wonderfully visual and I enjoyed READING IT very much. Thanks for sharing and keep turning out these wonderful nostalgia pieces. Have a great day. Irene/Freeways Mom
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excellent
"and together we spun
I'd swear
a hundred pies"
Ooh I love that line. I feel the sense of mother daughter legacy. I've always wanted to write poem about that, but now I don't have to you did it for me! -
Fucking Excellent
I loved this poem, you took me there, I take it this must of been one of your competition wins, very good. -
Thank you. I agreed and changed it.....that word 'in' can stand OUT..lol..mattimc
Thank you all..!!! Appreciated your adding, artis! -
in the rings of the stump time is marked that goes back even before your mothers passing...and in the cherised moments you now share with your little one this apple of your eye lies the magic of the rings they expand beyond the tree and the whorls of the grain and encircle your heart...Artis
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This is a warm, rewarding poem that is very enjoyable to read; the first I've seen that's been enhanced by an accompanying picture
It's homely and reminiscent without being sentimental and overloaded, with genuine humour shining through and a kind of jolly matronly charm. 'O’ child of my child’s loin' is a startling opening; personally I'm not a big fan on the word loin. The only other think I didn't like is the isolated 'in' centering the tree verse. Not a big problem, methinks
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You are a master of written love and warmth. What an unforgettable vision you have created in my mind
I am in great admiration of your talent -
I had to come read this one over again, it was just lovely,
a very touching piece indeed, I love capturing those moments in my mind and cherishing them too, keep'em coming and pen on!
-Timothy -
This is a very touching look into your heart, what YOU remember of your daughter and you during her childhood. Such sweet memories they are. I love the tree representing the days gone by...withered away by growth and time.
Hugs~ Joyce -
This embodies the BEST America has to offer. Love this fragrant write. Carried me so well I aged as I read it, and now my pie is baked. Still hot, best wait until it's cooled. A little iced-cream will help, and summer IS on the way! This poem sparkles! Thank you. Peace & Love and (wings beating) knowing where the Bird Buffet is located means a lot! Later, alligator!
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the tender heart of a granchild renews our heart in fun and laughter
by the simple things of tea and ginger, but those apples
oh what fun we can have making cobbler and pies!
this is geniune and a tale for all grandbabbies and grandparents to read, cry and rejoice the miracle of life....
bless you dear one
go in peace and joy of every day
Tamara -
Oh, this is incredible, you're imagery and voice are so strong, i felt transported. A very warm and cozy poem, tender, loving and just beautiful :-)
Really enjoyed this,
~ Wendy -
Oh, lovely Renoir, and lovely CookieZeal, with her kaleidoscope of emotions and images! You are timeless, Madame Dianne, and you are a joy to read.
And, of course, I love your background ... it is refined and perfect with the poem.
Kindest regards,
Myra -
Absoluutly wonderful and amazing!
Cookie this is so sweet!
I Love the way you share a piece of family history with your children/grandchildren with this. Simple things are the sweetest, I remember picking apples and baking pies with my mother when I was a little girl. Thank you so much for helping remember the sweetness of childhood apples! ~Laura
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cookie this is absolutely beautiful! No one does it like you. Your imagery is amazing and so are your metaphors. I have a favorite line in this poem, or should I say stanza. ....
but mostly the apples,
lots of those, falling red ovals
where bees share its nectar- wine.
I'm not sure why but this one really stands out for me beautifully!
Red -
This is delicious and rich in memories and sentiments I wish I had in my childhood. So vividly entwined with love and wisdom.
~Angela -
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Read and enjoyed this and some of your other poems.Thanks for the pleasant surprise,Silver Cup.I am enjoying my journey on allpoetry muchly.
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CZ, this is one of your very best (and they are all good).
When we had an apple tree in the back yard, I would bake apple pies unile I couldn't see straight... so that they wouldn't go to waste, but my best were the peach pies....mmmmmmm.... anyway, your images and tone are so nostalgic and special.
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Heartfelt
This poem, makes me want to be that little girl... How sweet, I love it.
The way you wrote it makes your envision the story as if you are right there feeling it happen. What an awsome peom... -
Excellent imagery! I really liked
"kitchens swarmed with
anxious steel-haired women
in ruffle-onion aprons"
makes me think of holdays.. family. thank you -
...a poem brimming with joy and love...and I love your painterly descriptions ("kitchens swarmed with
anxious steel-haired women
in ruffle-onion aprons.")
The title attracted me, too- my daughter has a very similar name (spelled with a "C").
Edited on Apr 18, 5:04 p.m. because ''. -
You just made it on to my favorites list. I was actually tooken there, and for awhile I sat and looked at the apple tree and saw its fruit fall to the ground... thanks for sharing.
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With each poem of your I read , I can turely see the specail person that you are . I enjoy read your poem so much thank you for shareing.
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Thank you all so much!!! Each of you separately and all together.!!lol..
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i love renoir, i did my last art project on him - he's so incredible
lovely poem - delicate and gentle, nostalgic and sentimental but not in the sickening way in the good way - a lot of people can only do that if they make the poem tacky, but you seemed to do it the right way, wohoo
...the right way being whatever i reckon it to be
hmmmmmm
o my sweet arrogance
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what a beautiful, sweet poem. I love it!
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Lots of love precious memories and priceless time a beautiful write Aunt Cookie and some very creative and imginary reflections..... Love,Sherry
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Excellent And Very Precious Piece
Wow Cookie, These Precious Times You Never Forget, What Imagery!!!
This Was So Refreshing To Read Hun, Keep'em Coming!!!
I Really Enjoyed, Thanks For Sharing A Piece Of Your Life!!!
God Bless And Pen On!
-Timothy -
oh i loved this! the imagry was simply beautiful and the detail made it so real! truly a wonderful poem! can express what a fabulous job you did, though i'm sure you already know.
thaks for the comment on my fried poem!
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