Stories I never read in books

Every morning

was coffee with cream,

two sugars

 

a strawberry preserve

was spread neatly across

the toasted bread,

with a bowl of corn flakes

whole milk

and a Lucky Strike, or two

 

After breakfast

in a waist tied apron

she’d  polish and shine

the tabletops and candlesticks,

and hang the wash

out to dry

 

the clothes pin bag skirted the lines,

the afternoon sun

was frolicking in

her salt and pepper hair

 

the days seldom varied

since the war,

her body never waned

 

but her eyes

told me stories

I never read in books.

Author's Note

I wrote this in memory of my grandmother. "Lucky Strikes" were a cigarette she used to smoke.

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

The ending stanza is an eye opening one Kelly. You paint an almost idyllic picture then in a solar plexus blow you suggest her pain and suffering and her automaton like response to the rest of her days. Pathos, pathos, pathos!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Wow, I love your interpretation, John...makes me all the more proud that I did her memory justice. A thousand thank you's! x

[Tony Jordan]

A beautiful memory indeed Kelly. One gets a real sense of your grandmother and by extension, those of her generation - their fierce independence and can-do attitude as opposed to the current 'selfie generation'.
Skilfully painted words.
Oh and last but not least - great title !!
:)

[Kelly Scheppers]

She was indeed, independent, with a can-do-it-myself attitude. It's as if you knew her! Thank you so much, Tony!

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Reading this made me remember my grandmother as I have just lost her last year. She used to tell us stories too. And none which we could ever read in books.
This is quite a picture you've painted with your words! Mesmerizing!

[Kelly Scheppers]

She was dearer to me than life itself. I am flattered if it bared the smallest resemblance of your own beloved grandmother! Thank you!

[Dr. YumnaKay]

It really did! And you're welcome! A pleasure ☺

[Casey Lou]

This is beautiful! Very crisp, simple and compelling. Fantastic.

[Kelly Scheppers]

The warmth of your words bring me much joy, for she was a wonderful, vibrant lady! Thank you so much, Casey!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

god, i smoked those at one time...they were so short...but packed a punch...much like this portrait of your grandmother...and showing what kinds of routines of life people got into after the war....and the regimented life paralleling the neatly placed jam on the toast.

brilliant write.

j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I had it written in minutes, and intended upon waiting until April, her birthday, to post it. So much for good intentions. Thank you, Jacob. As always, your reviews touch me, heart and soul!

[Trace]

WOW, extremely powerful.
And it is in the style I so love from your pen.

Glad I stopped by tonight.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I deeply appreciate that, Trace. Thank you. I am thrilled you stopped by!