Can you remember?
Can you remember Grandpa?
Those endless biting nights
Of my seasonal visits
Unaccustomed in my flimsy shelter
Sneaking up behind me
You blinded me with warm
Snuggling bear claws to ease the shivering
Hot chocolate mug seemingly glued to your hand.
Can you remember Grandpa?
Whisking me away without notice
Sliding that worn cap onto my head
That I cherished more then life itself
Large enough to encompass my disheveled mane
With the low division emblem
As we escaped
To the peanut filled bleachers of the past
Leather in hand
Awaiting the straggler we hoped would fly.
Can you remember Grandpa?
Soft teachings of a patient man
Until I finally felt able to challenge you
Studying the checkered surface intently
Trying to surpass my strategy
And capture nobleman
For hours upon end.
Can you remember Grandpa?
Looking at me with that lopsided grin
Reassurance cutting through space
To nuzzle my cheek
And murmur into my young ears
Contagious as ever.
Can you remember grandpa?
Solemn as I had ever been
Trudging to your pure sanctuary
Dam struggling to hold
As I recalled your smile
Refusing to move
Eyes fixated
On the contrastingly dark earth
Rough hands tried to pull me away
But I sprinted away from what remained
To wrap my arms around early retirement
As resolve trickled from the embankments.
Can you remember Grandpa?
Can you remember my face?
Can you remember everything we shared?
The incalculable warmth you radiated?
The continuous escape you provided?
The everlasting patience you bestowed?
The timeless reassurance you supplied?
Can you remember me?
Can you remember Grandpa?
Because I can never forget.
Author notes
Wow, I started off writing a poem for the contest, and.. just wow. It actually hurt to write, and I was crying halfway through. I wasn't expecting such a strong response, but who understands emotions anyway?
Dedicated to my grandfather, Who lived in NY, while I live/still live in FL. He died going into a simple knee surgery. The surgeons fucked up, and put his anesthesia tube in wrong, causing a bronchial spasm which lead to his death.He was 57 years old. I was young then, but old enough to understand he wasn't coming back.
His death was January 18th, 2001. The same date as my older sister's birthday. A year after he passed, my great grandfather passed away, on the exact same date.
So I guess in a way, it's dedicated to both of them.
If any of the stanzas confuse anyone, just ask for clarification.
Yeah...
I guess this is a mix of Options [1/2]
And I'll leave you with that.
A contest entry
- In loving memory of.............. by my1lovewearsdiapers.
350 points, ended January 25, 2008, 24 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Make Me Cry by dead-love-for-fun.
600 points, ended March 1, 2008, 34 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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wonderful
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amazing, this poem is so touching, filled with such emotion. It nearly made me cry. I understand how you feel. This poem is always going to be on of my favorites.
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I'm glad you liked it, thanks for commenting :]
<3Dak
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Gosh. This made me cry. I hate doctors sometimes. They do stupid things. That's why I intend on being the person who is responsible for the things such as that. (Anesthesiolgist.) It's sad. This write nearly made me cry. I love it. It's a loving tribute and I'm sure your Grandfather hasn't forgotten.
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this poem nearly brought me to tears
thats all -
This poem actually reminded me a lot of my own Grandpa who died of Alzheimer's. It seems though that you have a lot of fond memories and I hope they stay with you forever. Awesome poem and good luck in the contest
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WOW this brought tears to my eyes and had me crying which is hard to do this is a wonderful write and I thank you so very much for entering and good luck
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Thank you for reading it and commeting.
Sorry to make you cry xD.
I added some extra authors note if any part confused you, that would clarify it.
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