Papaw's Little Helper

A poem about a granddaughter and her Papaw who is very old and in his last days...

Papaw’s Little Helper

 

There was a time

it seems

when the sun was…

always shining,

when Papaw stood

proud, beside the garden hoe

humble in spirit,

tall in honest pride

of a hard day’s work.

 

She was just a wisp

back in those sunny days,

red hair falling out of place

blending with the red clay

smudged across a freckled nose,

when work was play…

where Papaw taught

life’s lessons in a garden.

 

Now it seems to rain…

not always, but more often

clouds of shadowed memories

broken by glimmers of sunlit recollections

years enjoyed watching her grow

laughing, silly girl grins

full of graceful joy

tending her gardens now

tending him…

 

Papaw’s little helper

legacy of faith and love

working hard and well with others

happy to be playful

practicing his lessons

learned in the bean rows and pumpkin patch

her life ~  an extension of his love,

her hand holding his

as he welcomes rest…

Reviews

[DirectTangent]

In this era, the accepted norm is that children mature and move away.

In more rural places, with stronger agrarian histories, there stand in greater numbers generational houses, telescoping from a larger dwelling, connected to one a little smaller, connected to one still a bit smaller. This was the arrangement for the passing of not only knowledge, but of patience, of pragmatism, of proficiency.

Your piece captures this for me, the use of the garden a fitting setting to convey the seasons of planting, of tending, of fruition, and of rest.

Your write speaks volumes to me.

[David Scott]

Thank you for the review. I am glad you saw the depth of intention here.

[jesserose99]

what a beautiful memories for her, and for him forever a place kept in both of their minds. For her something she will try and pass on in her own way with her grandchildren when they come. Lovely, put a smile on my face. :)

[David Scott]

Very kind review. Thank you for your time and thought.

[...]

The only grandparent I ever knew was my mother's dad and he died when I was 8. I remember him singing Irish songs to me and rocking me in his arms. I remember even to this day the way he smelled and how much that comforted me. It was the smell of love in a child's heart :) Beautifully touching, David

[David Scott]

I'm glad you felt a connection.

[A hare off]

Heart touching and soft these scenes you create with words. I never met either of my grandfathers, both passed before I was born, but I was grama's little helper for a while. Really great writing.

[David Scott]

Love your avatar.
Thank you for reading. I was not close to any of my grandparents. Hardly knew them... I respect the experience and wisdom of our communities "grandiarents"...
It is good to see young people today loving and learning from their grandparents. It can save our society if we will listen...

[Samuel Dickens]

Wow. You really got me. It's the tale of life, isn't it? The sweet part, at least, that eventually forms a tear. Growing a garden is a special skill; one that little helper will forever be grateful to have learned. These days, I'm mostly a grandpa, but I still remember being the little one.

[David Scott]

Thank you Samual. It is an honor to observe and share.

[David Scott]

Samuel... Sorry for the spelling.

[Samuel Dickens]

That's ok. "Sam" is what I normally go by.

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a touching write. Grandparents play a huge role in children's lives....if the children are fortunate. When the grandparents age, things change and the children must help the grandparents. The sentiment is lovely. Lydi**

[David Scott]

Thank you for commenting Lydi. I neve knew my grandparents... I knew "of" them, but they were strangers to me. Here in the mountains of NC, families live close. Grandparents are often closer to the grandchildren than even the parents. It is odd and amazing to my mind and I agree, usually it is very futunate. We can all choose to be someone's extended family however. I had "fill in" volunteer grandparents however. So I was blessed as well. :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, you were. My parents were very close with my son and certainly enriched his life.

[Alisa Js]

Aloha,

Thank you for sharing this lovely poem, full of wisdom and love. When we have the benefit of wisdom and experience, coupled with a heart that is willing to learn and apply those life lessons...the world becomes a better place.

Alisa💫

[David Scott]

Thank you for your reflections Alisa.

[Alisa Js]

You are very welcome.

[Cryingkate]

Wow ! Sometimes we can say things so simply and spill simplicity's of life so beautifully, Just as each simple day is really a most beautiful and most meaningful.
You did it here David, And did it so Beautifully.

[David Scott]

Thank you Kate. It is easy to write something beautiful when we observe beautiful people.

[alifeacoustic]

Beautifully capturing those sun filled days of youth, spending time with family. Living, loving and learning. The path continues, your ancestors carry your memory and all the love you helped to nurture.
Excellent.

[David Scott]

Thank you. This is a tribute for one of my employees. Her Papaw is 100 yrs this year and his health is finally failing him. He helped shape her into a wonderful person. What greater legacy could one hope for?