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) - 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
Offline)
Comments9
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
Thanks for this complimentary response, Michael. My Grandfather had a rose garden he loved to tend.
Well written tribute to your Grandfather
Thanks so much, Tony!
Welcome
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.
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.
Great job Louis. Lot of imagery.
I appreciate your kind comment, WBL!
As a grandfather of 4 1/2 (one on the way) your beautiful poem made me think. What indeed will they remember?
It is something to ponder, Indeed. Congratulations on the new, pending one!
Thank you Louis, but I do wonder why grandfathers are congratulated.
Why, you were a root cause, of course! (Or maybe something like that.)
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! 🙂
Exactly why we poets tend to ignore them and focus on the grandkids, a more pleasant subject.
Really great write! I think it makes us all reflect back to our own grandpas. Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece.
And thank you for this fine compliment, Christina.
Good write. I am sure that you will be a fine Grandparent and your Grandchildren will remember you with love.
Thanks for reading it and for your compliment, Goldie.
I'm liking this reflective moment-- putting me right in the room with him-- Nice!
Thank you for this affirmative reply, Owl. Love your icon!
Being a grandfather, I can empathise with your poem. So well written and caring.
Thank you so much for these kind remarks, Alf.
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