I tripped over her memory yesterday.

I tripped over her memory yesterday.
I’d tucked it away beside the fireplace
where I used to sit as a child,
and there, while the adults poured tea and conversation flowed,
I would stare into the fiery abyss,
and watch the flames turn black rock, that had been a million years in the making,
into dust in no time at all.

Fire I realised from that early age was the ultimate alchemist,
unapologetically devouring with no emotion or concern
yet changing what it destroyed into warmth, light and magic,
creating a space where people wanted to gather,
catch up and honour the euphoria of firelight and family.

Still that fire glows within my memory
setting a spark to my thoughts and my soul.
It enables me to remember her;

She, the firemaker,
who had kept the flames burning through many winters
keeping her family warm
and setting a spark flickering in a child’s heart,
that would last a lifetime.

I tripped over her memory yesterday
and it made me smile.


©️ 2021 Lathen Griffiths

Reviews

[lightsong]

We read many poems about Nans and Grandmas, this one is special. Original and personal, it reaches to the essence of what a real Grandma is, the backbone, the source, the beacon, of wisdom, warmth, security, safety, love.... I guess that's why I wanted to be a Grandma even when I am not a Mom lol your second verse is outstanding, it speaks of life wisdom in a warm and loving way.

Enjoyed reading this my friend, so wonderful~

[Lathen Griffiths]

Thank you Lightsong, I feel blessed to have known such a wonderful person.

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

I tripped over her memory yesterday.
I’d tucked it away beside the fireplace
where I used to sit as a child,
and there, while the adults poured tea and conversation flowed,

I really loved this part, such a wonderful write here Lathen

[Lathen Griffiths]

Many thanks Kescha.

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared Lathen.
"I tripped over her memory yesterday
and it made me smile."
I been doing the same as above lately. I loved the above lines. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Lathen Griffiths]

Thank you coyote for your kind words, have a wonderful weekend.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Lathen.

[Sarah Jane]

Lovely piece. I often find myself recalling memories as if they were taking place under my watchful gaze and I love how you have captured that feeling. The description of fire devouring without apology while also being a staple in a family gathering as well as a necessity for warmth. Fire pictured in this way is quite beautiful and you wrote it perfectly.

[Lathen Griffiths]

Thank you Sarah Jane, hope you have a Lovely weekend.

[John the Baptist]

A very nice poem of recollection here. Liked the symbolism of the fire as a remorseless destroyer who at the same time provides warmth. Could be symbolic of time, which can act in a somewhat similar manner. In this case, the filemaker has departed, but the warmth has triggered a memory of her. Thus is it with life, which both gives and takes away, and whose positive qualities must be sought, but are beautiful when they are recognized.

[Lathen Griffiths]

Thank you John