teach me death
yet another piece inspired by the awesome artwork of rick mobbs… i have incorporated the words from friday five at poefusion into this tale….. and seeing as how sunday scribblings prompt this week is family,, i guess i will submit it there as well…..
“it won’t be long,, my dear one
till you can sleep every day in the sun
we will settle you down
in your own plot of ground
go,, there’s no more work to be done….”
she was born in the town of gravelines
on the northern coast of france
and it was there she learned
how a pigeon flew
and to count on an abacus
didn’t take her long to figure out
two rabbits would soon become ten
and the longings of a young girls heart
could take her far from home
and never bring her back again
with yet another war on the horizon
they said good bye to their home
and sailed away
to what?? no one knew,,
off to america indeed they did roam
they had bid adieu to the tovarich
the nazi’s and the ss
and with in the first year they said hello
to my father,, the first son
of four, with which they were blessed
too soon the boys grew tall and strong
and each one took a wife
when grandfather went off
to be with god
nanna’s grandchildren became her life
she taught us life,, from the kitchen table
oft’ times a hint of whiskey on her breath
as she recounted her life
one lesson at a time
i never dreamed,, she would teach me death
yet, as i sit here now,, at her bedside
her frail, cool hand in mine
i whisper to her
all the lessons i learned
from the young girl, who grew up in gravelines
“it wont be long,, my dear one
till you can sleep every day in the sun
we will settle you down
in your own plot of ground
go,, there’s no more work to be done….”
the words “teach me death” i found in a post entitled so this is recovery, you claim (unfinished business) also by rick mobbs
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Oh, paisley… this brought tears to my eyes. It made me remember and think about what a great job my mother did when she showed us how to die.
ricks last blog post..5/1/08 image prompt
Oh Paisley, I have chills after reading this wonderful poem. It has a strong sense of family and the voice you gave to the girl waiting to settle her grandmother beneath the sun is endearing. Life lessons can be cruel sometimes but, also a growing point. Incredible story. Have a nice day.
Also, Rick Mobbs artwork is always fascinating. I love his work. I can’t wait to find the time to write for one of his pieces.
Michelle Johnsons last blog post..Anger Has No Turning
paisley,,
Omg, Paisley this is too good for my mind to form the words of praise….EXCEPTIONAL!!!!!!
I’ve mulled those 5 words for two days and my mind remained blank, shrouded by a black cloth. You’ve drawn aside that curtain of blackness and i’m grateful.
rel
rels last blog post..
I can only agree with all the above comments. I think the accompanying picture is exceptional too.
Granny Smiths last blog post..Down to Details
Absolutely exceptional. Great expectations and inevitability, all wrapped around a sense of belonging.
AnthonyNorths last blog post..HOW TO LOVE FAMILY
I love it!!!
I was loving the story, but when I understood what it was about I loved it even more. Beautiful tribute
devil moods last blog post..Sunday Scribblings – Family
This was so moving Paisley! Your words had such rhythm. Is this about you own grandmother? I love “she taught us life from the kitchen table.” so true how many poignant lessons are learned in that spot. beautiful words that went so well with the amazing photo. ♥
lucys last blog post..Family Lost = Family Found
I love how you begin and end the poem with the same stanza, like bookends to the saga of a woman’s life.You do a great job creating a sense of place, time, and history. The rhythm and rhyme create the sense of a ballad, of history to be passed from one generation to the next. A beautiful poem to go with the painting!
If there is a current reality to any of this, I hope you are OK.
As to the poem, it is one of those I will never forget reading.
Marcia (MeeAugraphie)s last blog post..On Dust and Kryptonite – 3WW
I enjoyed the poem and identified well with it. I sat by my grandfather’s side as he breathed his last, and I watched my great grandmother die as well. There is a peace about old people’s death that helps the pain we feel.
lilibeths last blog post..May Day Madness
nice use of rhythm and rhyme and a very moving story.
Crafty Green Poets last blog post..Torrential Rain
A story that rings true.
James Steerforths last blog post..Natalie Spacey must go shopping
Oh, this poem gave me shivers. What a beautiful piece! I love what you did with the prompts. You combined them all so flawlessly. Great writing!
Jane Does last blog post..On Credit
Wow…
I’m speechless.
Noahs last blog post..Encapsulated
what a wonderful circle poem–loved it
An exceptional piece Paisley, truly. I love the circular aspect, and the loving, gentle feeling it evokes.
Robins last blog post..Finding myself
Your lovely poem brings two very strong threads together — family history and the loss of someone we love. A beautiful, moving poem.
Bluebethleys last blog post..#2 Family
This was an amazing piece and I got chills when it ended as it had begun. WOW!
Tammys last blog post..Sunday Scribblings – "Family"
This was a fabulous piece of writing.
Forgetfulones last blog post..We Three
Death levels us…
What a beautiful, beautiful poem. Very moving and emotional…
That’s an incredible tribute to a Grandma, a poem that covered a number of lifetimes, Paisley. I’m just in awe of your work. This can be said of Rick as well. He’s such an enormous talent of unique breadth. Your poem and his painting are a perfect, touching, blend. Kudos to you both!
janetleighs last blog post..We will remember Eight Belles
Great job, really wonderful. I love the painting too.
Jos last blog post..Pssssssssst
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