My Grandfather house

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

Author's Note

A new poem.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your beautifully-written poem shows us how it feels in a family where there is continuity -- a blessing many of us do not get to experience in this life -- thus, thank you for sharing this feeling so we can know how it feels. This is a good example of the old writers saying: "Trust your story." You aren't trying to make this artful or remarkable by turning fancy phrases. Instead, you're just telling the honest, unvarnished story of how life & love & joy has been passed down thru the generations. This story needs no fanfare, so your simple treatment works perfectly. Thanks again for sharing. Many never know how this feels.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear friend. We are taught how to live by good people. I tried to thank my Grandfather. He told me. You doing well is my thanks given.

[barleygirl]

I think I've read most of your stuff posted here, so now I'm rediscovering jewels I've already reviewed, but definitely worth another go-round! (((HUGS))) . . . This is one of your best stories & I love the parallels you show us all along, about how you want to be the kind of grandfather that yours was to you -- SHOWING instead of telling (first rule of good writing!) So many specifics make this a story we can see & feel all along. Great job!

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my friend. Love is concern, kindness and listening.

[Nirupama.H]

" 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."

Nice poem.. liked it a lot. When you realise that you're doing what he used to do is beautiful...

[Coyote Poetry]

I try my best to be like him. Our children need help, not separation. Thank you Nirupama for reading and the comment.

[Tina Kline]

A very moving story in your poem. Such love and devotion. It is good to have family members who have such positive influence in your life.

This brought to mind my grandmother who was such a huge part of my life. It as like she would live forever. It was such a painful loss when she left the world behind.

This is a grand poem indeed.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree. We need our teachers to show us how to live. Thank you Tina for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Jacob Carlos Stamper]

There is so much emotion flowing in this poem, I can literally feel my heart tugging in my chest asI read this. (and as I've read some of the other things you have written.)
I am sure your grandchildren will one day grow up, and they will look back, and they will feel what you feel; love and warmth and respect for their grandfather.

Time is odd. Life is odd. But I'm glad there are artists like yourself, showing us the beauty in the passing of time, showing us the love that comes with life.

Thank you for your art :-)

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Jacob. We need good examples to teach us how to live.

[Great Aunt Astri]

What a wonderful poem. Your grandfather was right. I think it is best to lead by example Although I did sometimes say to my children " Do as I say, not as I do"!!!! but they have turned into lovely people.

[Coyote Poetry]

I heard your words too often too. Thank you my dear friend for reading and the comment.

[~Sarah~ Idríel T..]

A very touching description of emotional bond between a boy and his grandfather.

I can feel your love and these lines have a very important message to everyone:

"Your house was love.
You told us kids.
Keep your anger and disappointment outside on the porch.
This house is for family and love."

[Coyote Poetry]

I try to be like my Grandfather. A place where you were safe and sound. Thank you Sarah for reading and the comment.

[Simran Kewlani]

This is sonething has so much emotional attachment to it, that it gave me goosbumps. You honoured his existence with this poem and I can assure you your grandfather is very proud of you.
War? Wow, that was a shock. You've seemed to have had a difficult life, so glad I could read this. It was truly an honour. It os very well written. :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Simran. I was honored. My missed Grandfather told me often. He was proud of me.

[Solar]

A very moving poem beautifully written.

'Keep your anger and disappointment outside on the porch.
This house is for family and love.' Powerful!


The last line is like a memorial.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Solar for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[The Cotton Tree]

Funny how life turns on you. I hear my Dad's voice whenever I have to correct my niece's and nephews. But we love our elders all the same.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree. If we are lucky. The teaching of our elders are passed on to the next generation. This is the gifts that are never forgotten. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[ANTO]

When we are chilldren the adults seem old and the grandparents seem ancient like the dinosaurs ancient and we never ever even contemplate that one day we will be as they are. Then all too soon it happens and we look back - sort of belwildered - where the heck did the time go - is that really ME in the mirror - it looks so much like grandad.
Amazing piece Coyote - Happy New Year my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

Happy New years my friend and thank you for reading.