Stories of Old

Just a little ditty...that looks like it's turning into a work in progress.....

At the mirror
   she would sit,
      her alabaster skin
         frail within her nightgown.

She told me stories
   of an ancient history
      her soft, angelic voice
         soothing as she spoke.

One hundred strokes
   to keep the shine,
      her tresses powder gray.
         I listened as she brushed.

Here in her room,
   a hint of 4711
      still teasing the air --
         the smell that was her.

And in a hand less weathered,
   I hold the brush
      and recount the stories
         that keep her close.
        
  



        

Author's Note

I don't know if I did this justice. You can decide.

Reviews

[Charles]

Great read. I can see you two sitting in front of the mirror. My grandmother's gone now but I can remember the stories that kept her near.

[writernubbin]

AND...I didn't know at the time I first reviewed this one that it was part of the group challenge. Your use of the three chosen words is so subtle, yet integral to the poem. I think I said subtle before but it is...I STILL love this poem. :)

[writernubbin]

I love the line "...And in a hand less weathered, I hold the brush..."
This is beautiful. Subtle yet poignant. I absolutely love it.

[Samuel Dickens]

I think it's wonderful. Your words took me there and I saw the beauty. You know I like stories, so I see potential here for further growth.

[ettorney]

This is a wonderful poem that really captures a moment in a relationship between two women. It matters not their familial relationship if there is one at all. The image you create and the feelings you evoke speak to the essence of connection.


Nice write.

[E.H. Monroe]

Grandma? Momma? Sitting and grooving to old wisdom while the makeup gets applied to keep the semblance of youth.
The smile in a mirror when the stories get told of back in my day.
F**k. I opened a box with Grandma Monroe's stuff in it and the smeel kicked me like a f*****g mule. Vibe with the beauty.

Preach on sister

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I like this...it has the matriarchal quality of wisdom being passed along, from mother (or perhaps grandmother) to succeeding generations.

[An owl on the moon]

There is such a tender beauty here, awakening the history and the life well lived... Made me long to hear the stories for myself, and ponder another world in another time...

[Crowley]

mmmmmmm.....that was really delicious and made me miss a few people. Great down to earth write done in fantastic form and fashion. Great job.....

[Peter Joseph Swanson]

I love it!