Sticky Hands and Grape Juice Smiles

Bella Shepard

 

Sticky hands and grape juice smiles

 

When my daughter and son

Were but babies of 6 months old

I remember a highchair with a shiny metal tray

Bite size Food spread out before them

Little hands reaching, raking into their palm

Smashing against their mouth

Half got in, half stayed on their face

Food was a tactile experience

New tastes, new textures

The stickier, the better

They played with their food

And learned through taste and touch

What was hard or soft, smooth or rough

 

Then when they were one, the lid came off the sippy cup

And they learned to tip and drink

That adorable stain on the upper lip

Before they could control the flow

Many a spill covered them and the floor

But what did it matter

They were learning, they were growing

And as I sat there across from them

Talking to them, encouraging them, loving them

And yes, helping them play with their food

Babbling back and forth

We were the only two people in the world

Learning about each other

 

After gently cleaning those sticky little fingers, counting piggy’s

Wiping that precious little mouth, with the hint of a stain still lingering

We would sit and play with a toy, just enjoying their babyhood

 

The days of sticky hands and grape juice smiles

Are gone these 50 years

But I can still see them sitting in that high chair

And looking back, those were the most wonderful experiences of my life

 

I look at photos of the milestones they have achieved

And take pride in the incredible people they grew up to be

But photos of those sticky hands and grape juice smiles

Will always be the dearest to me

 

 

  • Author: Bella Shepard (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: August 10th, 2022 15:46
  • Comment from author about the poem: This one is for my daughter and son, the loves of my life!
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 37
  • Users favorite of this poem: L. B. Mek, Paul Bell
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Comments +

Comments7

  • Goldfinch60

    Such a wonderful poem Bella, those times when children very young are so very special in our memories.

    Andy

    • Bella Shepard

      Thank you dear friend for those sweet words. The older I get, the more comfort they give me.

    • orchidee

      A fine write Bella.

      • Bella Shepard

        Thank you my dear Orchidee for reading my little stroll down memory lane, it made me want to rock my babies again except they're much harder to pick up these days.

      • L. B. Mek

        Brilliant!
        this
        work, of sheer unwavering bravery
        and sincerity of the utmost intimacy
        with that poetic eloquence
        of effortless, magnetism
        is why I read..
        thank you! for choosing to share
        dear Poet
        'Food was a tactile experience
        New tastes, new textures
        The stickier, the better'
        reading choice wording, like this
        reminds me, despite it all
        indeed, life
        is beautiful!

        • Bella Shepard

          Thank you my dear friend for the sweetest words, you understand my intent so well. Life is indeed beautiful, every precious little moment of it.

        • Paul Bell

          I would imagine not a lot has changed. The fingers are still sticky, the high chair might be a bit posher, but the food still goes everywhere apart from in their mouths.

          • Bella Shepard

            I think the high chairs these days are at the Public House where they imbibe a more adult beverage, and may just get more everywhere depending on how much they've imbibed. Thank you for reading and giving me a good chuckle.

          • LexiLou

            Beautiful dedication to your children Bella. I vividly saw the scenes as you took us through each milestone ! Great write !

            • Bella Shepard

              Thank you my friend for reading and for such a touching comment, it is greatly appreciated.

            • Neville


              I just knew from the delicious title and even before opening the page that I was gonna enjoy sharing the mess that was likely to be contained within ... and boy, I was not disappointed ... I'm still wearing a trace of my initial smile as I recollect similar memories of my own kids .. Thank you my dear literary friend and poet ..... Neville

              • Bella Shepard

                Thank you my dear friend, it is so nice to share those little moments that mean so much.

              • sorenbarrett

                Bella this brought so many memories of my own children and the past. The past is foggy like a dream but some images remain clear. I am glad that the clear ones are the happiest

                • Bella Shepard

                  Thank you so much for those words, dear friend. I'm so glad that we can share those happy memories .



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