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A dressing gown with feathery sleeves soft,
shown as my grandmother jokingly scoffed,
arthritic fingers bent with big swollen joints,
as she gestures and jokingly at me points.
For years of hard work have taken their toll
and no more will we have our evening stroll,
but the memories will always survive there,
locked with love below her thin greying hair.
And when God calls this lady I always adore,
who battled alone in hardship during the war,
where six of her sons for their country fought,
and won the freedom many other lives bought.
A battler of old from the days of our pioneers,
one of those Banjo always so lovingly cheers.
For proud is she who has given only her best,
and a brooch with six stars on her proud chest.
During WW2 the Government issued a brooch for mothers and wives of serving soldiers.
Below the brooch was hung a bar on which a gold star was mounted for each serving husband or son. I can always remember my Mother on the tram with her brooch and single star for my Dad and how proud she was, but I will never forget seeing the bar with six stars that hung from my Grandmother’s chest and the looks of respect from everyone who saw it.
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Author notes
.A poem for the prompt picture above which reminds me of my Grandmother's arthritically distorted hands and body.
A contest entry
- Non Winning Pre-Write/End line Rhyme Only by piccola.
600 points, ended April 12, 2008, 36 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Give me your best of anything. No cutting poems please. new or pre write. by Misery into Melody.
700 points, ended May 16, 2008, 30 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 15 of 15
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Excellent
Nice to read about such things still. My grandchildren will grow respecting their forefathers from Gallipoli on . Those of us who have grown up in such a home will keep their memories alive. I could see my own grandmother as I read. Thank you for taking me home. Di
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Ahhh, this image reminds you of the times of your grandmother. A touching and well written piece penned with a skilled hand. I would have liked to see more of how the image made you feel though, however, all in all, a delightful verse filled with love and nostalgia. Best of luck in the judging. ~Pamela
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Dear Poet
This poem is to be highly commended. I really enjoyed it and I take it that you are an Australian from the "Banjo" reference.
Unfortunately, the upper limit is 100 words and it is not fair of me to let it through.
I am dreadfully sorry.
The poem is most enjoyable to read. I sincerely hope that you may use it again in an appropriate contest.
Lyndon of the Winklings.
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Interesting.
Who is Banjo or what is Banjo?
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Banjo is the nick name (or pen name) of one of Australia's most popular and famous poets "Banjo Patterson" and also reverently or affectionately referred to as "The Banjo". He wrote The Man from Snowy River which is an Australian classic.
Bazza
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This is really, really, emotional. I almost feel as if i'm intruding. Love it!
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Thank you and it was emotional for I shed a tear or two when writing it and realling those proud moments when only 4 years old. Thank too, for the nice comment and generous applause.
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Lovely tribute! very visual and filled with rich imagery. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and thank you for entering.
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An absolutely amazing tribute, I can only say that I LOVED it! So rare for me to read something that leaves me with a smile on my face and a nice warm feeling :-) Bravo!
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This is beautiful. A very deep piece, and it makes me smile to hear of your memories.
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Wow
Very moving!
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This is a fantastic write, beautifully done, and so moving... made me think of my grandmother... thankyou for sharing...
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Enjoyed your interpretation of the prompt for this contest. Good flow, rhythm and rhyme in these lines; heartfelt and sentiments well expressed - wish you well...
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Great job, Baz.
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Thanks you Mairi
Thanks Miari, glad you enjoyed it and it means a lot coming from such a distinguished poet, especially when garnished with hard earned clappies.
Barry
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