Grand Ma's Arms

A memory of my Grand Mother

 

Grand Ma’s Arms

 

By Charles D. Moorer

 

Fingers beautifully curved like long brown bird feathers

attached to outstretched arms that cupped and pulled me

to her massive bosom.

 

Grand Ma’s arms were a sanctuary I would know but once.

 

I remember her telling my Aunt Belle, her daughter, to “stop whining.”

Fast Belle had lost her husband to another woman. “And stop that

crying, these children don’t need to hear that noise.”

 

I was fascinated by this wrinkled, old woman whose head was covered

by brown hair with streaks of white invading around the edges and down the middle

My father obediently called her Momma, like the little boy he became in her presence.

 

She brought with her fresh vegetables, cured meat, and rock candy for us kids.

I think she came by bus, maybe it was by car?

 

She cuddled each of kids, but somehow spent more time holding on to me, if she were to let go, something bad would happen to her or me, I don’t know which.

 

By next day she was gone back to that mysterious place called down south.

 

Three moths later, deep into winter, she was dead of a heart attack. 

I didn’t know what that was. I did not know what death was. 

 

I just know I found sanctuary once in Grand Ma’s arms.

Author's Note

A memory I had of the one time my grand mother held me in her arms

Reviews

[SK Covey]

I love it!! Reminds me of my own Grandma's arms and bossom.
Its wonderful that those who really read, as slowly and to
determine the actual words, understand what you say.
I hate people who do reviews and read through something
so fast as they miss the whole point; or they lack the
ability to do analysis of a poem or a book and then blame
the writer for his inability to write. Great Expression of
Love and Rememberance. Sandie

[Salvatore Buttaci]

Your grandma looking down from heaven is proud of you and loves this poem! So do I! It's the kind of memoir poem that dazzles with honesty and loving respect.

[Deborah Leah Krempa]

A beautiful sentimental poem. Thank you for sharing. Debileah

[JC]

I love the description of her hands. Somehow, grandmas just know how to make things better.

I am sorry you lost your grandmother early. I feel blessed to have had mine up until 2 years ago. I miss her everyday.

Beautifully executed.

Kudso,

JC