I’m six years old, in the summer,
Going for a ride.
Sitting on my grandfather’s lap, I wait patiently
As he struggles with the ignition.
Yelling my grandmother’s name, the tractor comes
To life, and off we go.
Down a hill of green rolls orange thunder,
And my eyes peer into the forest ahead.
We slip between the trees; he points out to me
Landmarks of our family’s past.
He talks to me, but I can’t hear;
I can only see the world.
I’m eighteen years old, in the summer,
Going to their house.
Sitting on my grandfather’s couch, I wait patiently,
As he struggles to stand.
Calling my grandfather’s name, grandmother brings
Him to his feet, and away he goes.
Before old blue eyes marches the end,
Coming at last from years ago.
We sit in silence for a while; he looks to me,
Confused, no sign of recognition.
We speak to him, but he barely hears;
He can’t understand anymore.
I’m six years old, in the summer,
Going for a ride.
Laying in a basket, I wait patiently
As he struggles with the ignition.
Yelling my grandmother’s name, the tractor comes
To life, and off we go.
Through a sky of blue drift white mountains,
And my eyes squint from the sun above.
We slip between the trees; it’s darker,
And I can see the landmarks as they pass.
The hum of the engine lulls me to sleep,
As the world grows dim and fades away.
Author notes
This poem is about Change. When I was a kid, my granfather took me on tractor rides throug the forest in his backyard. A few years ago, he suffered a stroke and has Alzheimer's disease; he can barely remember who I am supposed to be anymore. This is my favorite memory of him in contrast with how he is now.
A contest entry
- ~Above the Faded Line~ by NotOfThisWorld.
550 points, ended August 4, 2008, 5 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 25 of 25
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Alzheimer's is such a painful disease. My grandmother has it also. She still somewhat remembers some of us, but she often calls my mother, frantic that she doesn't know where she is when she wakes.
This is a painful, powerful, yet sweetly pungent piece. I hardly know what to say in praise of you anymore, without annoyingly repeating myself. I stand.... or rather, sit in awe.
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Beauty at it's best.
Great job!
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Thank you very much.
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wow its a beauty and such expression. I love it.
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Thank you.
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agonizingly true.... this poem struck me probably the strongest because i'm an alzheimer's recreational specialist- it's my job. My uncle mike suffered a stroke as well- not to many years back. lost control of the left side of his body and talking is difficult for him. I can relate to this piece very much. and it's was masterfully written. -T
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Thank you very much. ^_^
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interesting how i found this one about your grandfather when I just wrote one about mine as well- its got cognac in it lol
I enjoyed your journey and a peek into a life with such an important person in your life.
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i like this poem becuase there are alot of memories we keep and hold and sometimes wish we could go back to. you write with feeling.
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Oh my... such a touching poem. It makes me remember my times with my grandmother when I was younger. I am so sorry that he has gotten alzheimers. My grandma, passed away in october, she died of cancer. She had many things wrong with her though. Well, anyway, back to the poem hehe. It made me think of how lovely it must of been, back than, but, the change was deep and harsh, but keep remembering the good times, and not how he has forgotten a lot. He is still your grandfather, and you still have precious memories, as we all do. Keep thriving, and congrats on the silver =D
xXDCXx
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Thank you. I appreciate it.
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God bless you and your grandfather. Strength to both of you. This is such a wonderful memory to have. Such a shame that the contrast is so poigniant. Good write!
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Thank you very much.
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This is really good! i love how u show the changes that can happen throgh the years..And I can tell he means alot to you... Great write
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Thank you very much.
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this is beautiful. nice work with the imagery. you also did a great job symbolizing the changes people go through when something like strokes and alzheimers happen. i happen to have a relative that i have to re-introduce myself to every time i see her.
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Yeah, it's aggravating...but it's good to know other people can relate. Thank you.
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I read this one twice, because I almost got lost in it. In a good way though.
It was a peaceful and calm poem without being too... plain. Very well done, for someone who's specialty is stories.
Thanks for the entry.
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Thank you very much. I was actually surprised I only got silver for this, but then again, it's better than third and nothing at all.
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Beautiful imagery here!! You did a really great work on this. Made me think of my godmother, who died of Alzheimer's diease 6 months ago. Each christmas we went sledding on this hill by my house called Devils Hill. A very relational write. I'm sorry for your loss; but that's what memories are for!
Warmest,
Mylee -
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Thank you very much.
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My friend...
That is why you went on that ride years ago
a gift from your Grand Dad...and God.
Perhaps he remembers it too. He is not suffering...the angles are there as he lives out his life again.
Great poem...I truly got tears.
wolf
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Well, since I'm not religious, I cannot fully agree with you, but thank you anyway for your comment.
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This is so sad but also beautiful. Your memories of your time with your grandfather will always be with you. It is so difficult to watch a loved one struggle with illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. The pain is overwhelming to realize they no longer remember you. You did a nice job with showing your feelings from then to now. Nice write! Blessings, Patty
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Thank you very much. I really appreciate your comment.
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