Family

A narrative by a grandson retelling his grand dad's tale. Inspired by Colin Raye's Love me.

As I lie here awake tonight,

Pondering the meaning of life,

And gazing into a faraway forest,

I am reminded of when I first met my wife.

It was a breezy summer's day

And I didn't know just what to say

Because she took my breath away

On that beautiful day in May.

She wore her favourite dress with little flowers

And her hair was tied with little bows.

I can still recall staring at her for hours

And sometimes I can't help but wonder if she knows.

I can still recall our first conversation quite clearly,

It's something your granny would have described as full of irony.

You see, my grandchild, grandpa used to be an army man.

Yet, I was stuttering away in your grandma's company.

Then came the war

And we said our goodbyes.

I can still remember the tears falling from her eyes

And I realised then that this was what I was fighting for.

We wrote to each other whenever we could;

She had finished her studies and became a nurse

And I fought hard to keep her safe, like any man should,

Even if it meant fighting the entire universe.

We got married after the war,

Even though we didn't know what was in store,

We knew that we loved each other

And that was enough for us to not ask for more.

Then came the day your dad was born.

That was the happiest day of your granny's life.

Even though her body was bloodied and torn,

That was the happiest I've seen my wife.

She was strong and cheerful.

While she lived, there was nothing she couldn't do.

She wasn't afraid of calling it as it is

And if you asked her for a shoe, she'll give you two.

Even in death she never showed fear.

I remember her last words, oh so clear.

It was what I said to her on our anniversary, the first year.

"Even death won't stop me from loving you, dear".

You see, champ, your grandma was the meaning of my life.

A caring companion, loyal lover, an honest friend,

A confidant, brilliant cook and a mother to the very end,

And most importantly, she was my wife.

With that, grandpa turned over on his side,

Muttering a soft goodnight.

When morning came, he was pale with eyes opened wide.

Beside him was a note reading - "Grandma's waiting for me in the light".

Author's Note

All reviews welcomed.