GRANDFATHERS

Louis Gibbs

He was the only grandfather I knew.

Dad's father died when he was still a child.

 

I spent precious little time in his company,

We lived so far apart.

And he preferred sitting and

Quietly smoking his corn-cob pipe

To interaction with kids.

 

But I'll never forget his presence,

The strong well-lived German man

Of unwavering character and calm.

 

It leaves me to wonder ...

Just what might my grandchildren

Remember of me?

  • Author: Louis Gibbs (Offline Offline)
  • Published: August 4th, 2017 07:02
  • Comment from author about the poem: A retired railroad engineer who worked his way up from coal-shoveler; The only family survivor of cholera on the boat trip over from Germany; He was a gentle rock of a man.
  • Category: Reflection
  • Views: 43
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Comments +

Comments9

  • Michael Edwards

    A case of ditto - my paternal grandfather was also quiet but he had a lot of time for me and at an early age introduced me to gardening - I recall him with loving memories. This is a great write Louis

    • Louis Gibbs

      Thanks for this complimentary response, Michael. My Grandfather had a rose garden he loved to tend.

    • Tony36

      Well written tribute to your Grandfather

      • Louis Gibbs

        Thanks so much, Tony!

        • Tony36

          Welcome

        • malubotelho

          Wow! I love this Louis. Such a beautiful way of thoughtful memories. It filled my heart with love. I never got to know my grandparents.

          • Louis Gibbs

            Yeah, I got to meet only the one of my grandfathers, but did meet both grandmothers. Three out of four isn't bad! Thanks for the kind words, M.

          • WriteBeLight

            Great job Louis. Lot of imagery.

            • Louis Gibbs

              I appreciate your kind comment, WBL!

            • FredPeyer

              As a grandfather of 4 1/2 (one on the way) your beautiful poem made me think. What indeed will they remember?

              • Louis Gibbs

                It is something to ponder, Indeed. Congratulations on the new, pending one!

                • FredPeyer

                  Thank you Louis, but I do wonder why grandfathers are congratulated.

                  • Louis Gibbs

                    Why, you were a root cause, of course! (Or maybe something like that.)

                    • FredPeyer

                      Yeah, something like that. As far as my kids (not grandkids) are concerned I might be more like a root canal than a root cause! 🙂

                      • Louis Gibbs

                        Exactly why we poets tend to ignore them and focus on the grandkids, a more pleasant subject.

                      • Christina8

                        Really great write! I think it makes us all reflect back to our own grandpas. Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece.

                        • Louis Gibbs

                          And thank you for this fine compliment, Christina.

                        • Goldfinch60

                          Good write. I am sure that you will be a fine Grandparent and your Grandchildren will remember you with love.

                          • Louis Gibbs

                            Thanks for reading it and for your compliment, Goldie.

                          • Night Owl

                            I'm liking this reflective moment-- putting me right in the room with him-- Nice!

                            • Louis Gibbs

                              Thank you for this affirmative reply, Owl. Love your icon!

                            • Alf W

                              Being a grandfather, I can empathise with your poem. So well written and caring.

                              • Louis Gibbs

                                Thank you so much for these kind remarks, Alf.



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