He goes around to see his grandmother,
for his weekly after-school visit.
She offers him a cup of tea
and they settle down at the table.
How's things? she asks.
Yeah, okay, I suppose, he shrugs.
As they sip their mugs of tea they chat
and put the world to rights.
She mentions a new art exhibition
at the Lowry gallery next month.
We should go during half-term.
That sounds like a plan.
Are you okay, love? she asks.
You don't seem yourself today.
He explains about the school restructure,
how he doesn't fit in with his new class-mates.
Don't be like me, she says.
Stop worrying about what people think,
stop worrying and do what pleases you.
Don't be like me, she says again.
He says nothing, merely nods in agreement.
It's only when he's alone on the bus home,
that the words start to flow,
what he should have said, the reply that didn't come.
Don't be like me, she says.
But he is like her, he has her interest
in history, in art, in literature,
in museums, in writing and language.
She taught him about the Second World War,
about Shakespeare and Charles Dickens,
she has taught him more than any teacher,
in any class-room, ever could.
Don't be like me, she says.
As the bus nears his stop, he shakes his head.
Way too late for that, he says aloud,
and I wouldn't change a thing.
-
Author:
Tom C Dylan (
Offline) - Published: January 12th, 2024 05:55
- Comment from author about the poem: Loosely based on true events. The names have been changed to protect people's identities. :-)
- Category: Family
- Views: 16
- User favorite of this poem: Accidental Poet.
Offline)
Comments5
In saying "Don't be like me", she knows that you ARE like her and was expecting your resolve to begin with. She knows you well. Stay strong. 😊👍
Thanks a lot, AP. 🙂 You completely understand where I'm coming from.
Been there, done that. 😉👍
Sometimes people fail to see the beauty within themselves. Nicely Done Tom
Yes, completely agree. Thanks for your comments.
You make me feel envious of having grandparents. I only had my grandad tom the rest were gone so was he by the time I was 5 years old.. Beautiful Tom.
Thanks a lot for your comments, Teddy. Yeah I was really lucky to have them around. The don't be like me comment stayed with me. Cheers, Tom.
Beautiful work. Your love for literature shines through in your writing.
Thanks so much, Thomas. Really appreciated. Cheers, Tom
this is truly lovely Tom .. I can still feel a warm glow and the remains of a shiver down my spine .. an excellent reflection poemed & I imagine so full of respect, love and truth .. Neville
Thanks a lot for that, Neville. Means a lot.
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