Saturday, March 4, 2017

SoL Challenge Day #4



In an effort to tell more stories, today I have written a poem.


My Grandfather
It was 1998, Nebraska, and Christmas.

I’d lost a baby tooth on the drive over,
and I smiled up at you as big as I could
so you wouldn’t miss it.

You nodded and gave me a hug
that felt more like a handshake,
hands and arms tied to obligation.

I didn’t understand the hardening
that sometimes happens in men
who have seen more than they speak.
Men who don’t fit in their skin,
so they kick at the surface
when no one else is watching.

I sat close to your chair and

narrated my examination of the tooth.
Each lisped word meant for your ears.

I was seven and resilient,
wrapping my arms around a man who
didn’t love from the same place as I did.

14 comments:

  1. Lauren, I think the poetry form works well here to tell your memory in a more sparse yet descriptive way. Powerful.

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  2. This is a powerful poem. Your words convey so much- a hug that is like a handshake...men who have seen more than they speak. So many layers woven into this tender moment. You are a writer. Beautiful!

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  3. What a beautiful poem. You captured the moment perfectly and your imagery made the moment come alive for me. Wonderful!!

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  4. Very thoughtful poem. Reminds me of my grandfather who always seemed so tough but really was tender on the inside.

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  5. Oh wow, Lauren. This is lovely. Today when you mentioned your poetry, I wanted to ask to see some. Thank you for sharing here. You are a role model to me.

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    1. That is particularly meaningful coming from you. I'm so happy I finally got to get to know you a bit more. Thank you!

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  6. Whoa, Lauren. This is amazing. The tone, the message, the structure. I especially love the contrast between 7-year-old you and your grandpa. You've given me a new light to remember my own grandpa. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you, Nikki! I think having time to write at the retreat was just what I needed to get these thoughts down.

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  7. reminds me of both of mine too -- both always coming up with super special excursions on my visits that showed how much they noticed about what interested me even if they never said so

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    1. I've been spending a lot of time thinking about my grandparents lately, and I'm seeing them in different lights now with more years of life experience gained.

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