Stories I never read in books

Every morning

was coffee with cream,

two sugars

 

a strawberry preserve

was spread neatly across

the toasted bread,

with a bowl of corn flakes

whole milk

and a Lucky Strike, or two

 

After breakfast

in a waist tied apron

she’d  polish and shine

the tabletops and candlesticks,

and hang the wash

out to dry

 

the clothes pin bag skirted the lines,

the afternoon sun

was frolicking in

her salt and pepper hair

 

the days seldom varied

since the war,

her body never waned

 

but her eyes

told me stories

I never read in books.

Author's Note

I wrote this in memory of my grandmother. "Lucky Strikes" were a cigarette she used to smoke.

Reviews

[APOORVA]

just loved it.
i have read it twice as it pleases my heart

[Kelly Scheppers]

You are so kind, Apoorva. Thank you for your visit and review!

[AYVID N]

The poem ends with a poignant twist. Bringing to mind tales of unseen horrors of war and of loss and grief. Your poem is a great example of how much can be said in poetry, in just a few words.

[Kelly Scheppers]

This one is very close to my heart. Thank you, Divya!

[Ken Simm.]

This person I could see and I found her enchanting. Perhaps a Grandmother to us all. What a lovely homage.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'd be thrilled for everyone to actually see a glimpse of their own grandmother, in this. How wonderful a compliment that would be. Thank you so much, Ken!

[Ruth]

How precious is this! :) I always find stories in my Grandma's eyes, better than books any day and they seldom get to tell their stories. The details here are beautifully arranged, I used to smoke Lucky Strike lol ♥

[Kelly Scheppers]

Oh, how funny! Jacob mentioned he used to smoke them, too. I wasn't sure people would know what I was talking about! Thank you,Poppy!

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha i have to chuckle at your clarifying "Lucky Strikes" ... they are a vivid memory from my growing years .. those and Camels were the strongest "cancer sticks" made ...
whole milk, heavy cream, butter and salt went on just about everything we ate ..
i am moved by your poem ..its me own Ma your talking about - but she didn't smoke ;) ..into the library it goes ..the warmth and glow emitted is precious for me! nice one Kelly!
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

When you listed the whole milk, heavy cream, salt, etc., and mentioned it went on everything you ate, you really nailed it on the head! ...oh, don't forget gravy!! You know, there are certain poems that when you write them, you know exactly "who" in particular will enjoy them. Forgive me for tooting my own horn here, but I knew this was one - for you! Thank you for making my day, Gene!

[Einstein Noodle]

yes it is M'lady! just for me ;) ... and must never forget the gravy ... and you have made my evening ... been a bit busy and hope to get reading here more voraciously than ever soon ..starting in the morning with the most beautiful legs in the world :))) peace and joy Kelly ..big hugs!

[Kelly Scheppers]

...hugs to you, my darlin! Take care!!

[Ted Kniffen]

Kelly, you could have written this about my mother and her life after the war. Your scene is right. I don't believe she smoked 'Luckies" but she did seem to enjoy the odd shanty (beer & ginger ale). Good one Kelly

[Kelly Scheppers]

When a reader can take a part of what I've done and apply it to their own life, that is when I've done my best. Thank you, Ted!

[Stella Armour]

What she said with her eyes must have spoken volumes. A lovely read which i enjoyed very much... thank you for sharing a glimpse of your grandmother

[Kelly Scheppers]

Welcome, Stella! So kind of you to say...thank you!

[Lydia Shutter]

This one brought me back to my childhood....clothespin bag swaying in the breeze on the clothes line. Our grandparents had stories to tell....and sometimes they did not tell us because they wanted to protect us from it all. Lucky Strikes...LSMFT....how well I remember them. A touching write, Kelly. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

I should have mentioned the clothespin bag in my notes along with the Lucky Strikes. I'll never forget the look of it, if I live to be a hundred! Lol, thank you, Lydi!

[andrew mitchell]

The lines, the crows feet, the eyes, all tell a life of stories that have been lived before written. nice Kellyarian write of epic poetic standards.:)

[Kelly Scheppers]

I like that, Andrew...thank you!

[Coyote Poetry]

A beautiful story told in the poetry.
"but her eyes
told me stories
I never read in books."
I understand the above lines. I like old people eyes. If we are lucky. They will share a tale or two. Thank you Kelly for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for your many blessings, John!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Kelly.