I walked with my grandmother,
looking up,
through all the years of my childhood.
Once, walking in the cemetery,
she asked wistfully
“Isn’t it peaceful here?”
and I was outraged at the thought
of her ever leaving me.
When she was old, she would walk
down the street
from the nursing home she hated
-
her cane tap, tap, tapping –
to visit me in my house
full of children.
She would sit under the
grape arbor;
we'd chat as I weeded
the garden.
Later I would walk her back
to the “home” that wasn’t
her home
-
her cane tap, tap, tapping –
a single tear
rolling down her cheek.
for Sumana's prompt at Midweek Motif: Walk
I could hear the tapping of the cane. So moving. This reminds me of my father who so much wanted to come home but the doctors wouldn't allow and he breathed his last in the nursing home.
ReplyDeleteThis really moved me with such vivid images and memories. I would like to think a cemetery is peaceful than a walk to a nursing home.
ReplyDeleteSuch a contrast of places--safe childhood and cemeteries, nursing homes and houses full of children and gardens--all with the presence of grandmother. How lucky you were to have her, yes, even with the tear! Love the sound that connects all.
ReplyDeleteHow lovingly you remember your grandmother. You walked her back and she at least had your home to find some refuge in. A cemetery is indeed a peaceful place where you can visit with those you loved. This moved me deeply Sherry.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I am crying.
ReplyDeleteOh Sherry, this is almost too poignant to bear! Yet how wonderful that you and she had those times together. A beautiful recollection.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and poignant walk. Thank you for allowing us to join you and your grandmother.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
https://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2019/06/26/walk/
Sadly I too have tales to tell of parents and grandparents in their later years and much of it is sad and painful.
ReplyDeleteOh Sherry this brought fresh tears into my eyes .. so heartwrenching and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteoh so heart wrenching you brought tears to my eyes SO beautifully written and so special. Made me think of my mum She would hate to go to a home She can still manage although she is soon 88
ReplyDeleteyou moved me with this one Sherry! that tapping stick was like morse code for grandmother's sorrow and alienation but at least she still had you
ReplyDeleteThat cane tapping juxtaposed with peaceful cemetery is stunning. You poem evokes powerful emotions. I now feel like crying.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by to read mine
Much❤🕊❤love
Beautiful. Those walks looking up, to become walks side-by-side. A journey taken by both in their own time.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem. ..
ReplyDelete" her cane tap, tap, tapping –" reminds me of my grandmother who was very dear to my heart...
How absorbing such walks must have been! Loved it, Sherry.
The sadness of this walk...
ReplyDeleteI always like it when you share something about your grandmother. It is obvious that she and you had a special relationship. Love that photo of the two of you as well!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, and sad. I think of my father wanting to come home so badly, and passing away in a rehab facility. I like your use of the cane tapping.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and moving, Sherry!
ReplyDelete