Grandfather’s house
My Grandfather house
A Poem by Coyote Poetry
Just words
My Grandfather house
(First written on 14 March 1980- Rewritten 29 December 2015)
Time has moved too quickly.
I have growth from a small lad to a old man.
I remember following you my Grandfather,
always dragging my small feet behind you.
Now I’m the Grandfather and I still feel your love surrounding me.
I hear your voice when I speak to my grandchildren.
I remember the warmth and the safety of your house.
I knew I was safe and sound with you and grandma.
I remember listening to your stories,
filled with life and joy.
I remember our thousand checkers games and your laughter.
I remember the holidays.
Your house cozy and ready for the celebrations.
I remember the bright lights and the always large Christmas tree.
I remember dear Grandmother telling us to stay in the house when you
shot your pistol on New Year eve.
I see your face in the mirror now.
I’m the Grandfather who tell the grandchildren.
Slow and easy does it, like you told me.
I ensure the kids have fun and enjoy life.
I have followed your example.
You took me and sister to the parks, lakes and fun activities.
I try to do the same.
I remember you and grandmother dressed like kings and queens.
Looking perfect for a night of dancing.
Loving and enjoying everyday of life.
Your house was love.
You told us kids.
Keep your anger and disappointment outside on the porch.
This house is for family and love.
Today I’m the elder.
I have learn to listen, help when I can.
To have a wide open door for the family in need.
Thank you my Grandfather.
I hope I can honor your memory.
You taught me to lead with love, concern and kindness.
I won’t forget how you treated me after I returned from war.
You paid for a large celebration for the family at high class restaurant.
Your words you told me had stayed with me always.
I’m glad you are home safe and sound. Our family had lost too much to war.
John Castellenas/Coyote
Great work, very genuine.
I want to quick say that I noticed two small things again. In the second line in the paragraph above the first picture I think you may need to switch out a couple words, and in the second paragraph after the second photo I think you used learn instead of learned. Like I said, really minor.
But I remember playing a thousand games of Rummy with my grandmother while she was still alive and so that checkers line really hit home with me. Liked the pictures too, definitely added to the emotion of the poem. I’m glad to have come across your blog
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I appreciate the comment. I was raised-up by my grandparent.
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My dad was never around and my grandfather died when I was 3, and so I was raised-up by my mom and my grandmother too.
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You had good people near. Women teach us kindness and make us feel safe and okay. My Ojibwa Grandmother ensured I had everything I needed.
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Yeah, you got that right. I’m beyond grateful to my mom and my grandmother for teaching me all the lessons I needed and keeping me sheltered and fed and cared for.
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I didn’t realise they were grandchildren!Thought they were your children!Lovely to read this
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I raised four children and now I have three grand-boys. I appreciate the comment.
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Such a beautiful family. Grandparents can make have a wonderfully positive impact in children. I know mind did. I lovd this photograph John, thanks for sharing it.
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I agree my friend. People who taught us how to live right. Allow to know how to live right. Thank you for reading and the comment.
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