You Are the Song

Inspired by the lyrics of a song by Regine Velasquez and my grandson.

I watch as you lay sleeping,
head resting on a puffy pillow.
Your long pale legs and gangly feet
sticking out from under the covers.
Only 5 years old and already showing
signs of being well over 6 feet tall,

Just like your daddy.

The Lego police cars we made just
a few hours ago lie on the small table
in the middle of ‘your room’,
a spare bedroom that you claimed
the minute you started your weekly sleepovers.
They lie in wait for our next adventure in
playing ‘cops and robbers’, me somehow
stuck with the role of robber so you can say,

“ You are going to jail “

Very early on, when you could barely walk
you were drawn to my piano.
I remember how surprised I was that
you didn’t bang on it as most toddlers might
Instead, you played it one or two fingers at a time, using light touches as if you already had a song running through your head.
Sometimes you would go down the entire keyboard starting at the bottom one key at a time.

It was music to my ears.

Now I am sitting in my favorite chair,
recharging my batteries after your last visit.
Filing it away with the others in my treasure chest of memories to ponder on cold, lonely nights.
I cherish the moments we have together perfectly aware of how quickly time flies.
You are a grandma’s boy.

I have no doubt of that.

And after the Lego cars we built are neatly stored away…
The keys on the piano gather dust and
I no longer play…
When weekly sleepovers become sporadic and time is running short…
You, my darling boy will be
“the song playing so softly in my heart.”

Reviews

[Ken e Bujold]

a beautiful mom, of a grandmother's love yes. but also so much more. A sweet, not to sugary, melancholy glimpse into the passing of time we all must deal with.

great read Dara

ken

[Dara]

Thank you for your kind, insightful words. I love how you describe it as “a glimpse into the passing of time.” Moments to cherish that go by far too quickly. Take care!

[W. Barrett Munn]

Absolutely lovely contribution to poetry. Love it.
W.

[Dara]

Thank you so much. It’s great to have you visit. :-)

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Dara... I have one Grandson... I remember His having Lego's...
dressed in outer space uniforms. He was four when his sister was born, and when she was almost three years old, she was told not to touch her brothers Lego's as they were arranged.. ready for another "drama" on the "morrow". I remember... while Ethan was still sleeping, I saw Madeline gingerly touching each Lego, as though She also was "part" of the "Cast" ready to perform when the Son Rose on a new day. Now Ethan is 19 and learning his Dad's business as a Partner, and Maddie is a Freshman in High School (playing Girls Soft Ball and competing. Grandmothers will always remember the "Lego" days, tenderly, Pat

[Dara]

Thank you so much Pat. I am happy my nostalgic write brought about those wonderful memories. LEGOs have been around a long time. I must admit too, that I enjoy putting them together as much as my grandson. It will be interesting to remind him about it when he turns 19. :-) Great seeing you!

[Chris Shaw]

Just love this write Dara. Precious visits from your grandson. I can tell how much love Grandma has for him and all the fun they have together. You are both building memories and they wilk mean a great deal to him in later years when he reflects on them. Lovely to find a post from you. I have sent you a friend request to make sure I don't miss your posts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dara]

Hello Chris and thank you! Your words are so appreciated and it’s great to see you here. I did see the request and now we are friends. :-) I hope you are doing well and have a great weekend!

[Chris Shaw]

All good Dara. Have a great weekend yourself and if you have your grandson for a sleepover have lots of fun :)

[Dara]

Thank you. He is in bed as we ‘speak’. 👍🏻😊

[Chris Shaw]

Ah, sweet dreaming and Grandma is happy and content :)

[Robert Haigh]

A sweet, heartfelt poem, celebrating cherished time with your grandson. My grandson is five years old too, and he loves to sleepover two or three times a month. Children are a treasure at any age, but five is a special age, I think. Like you, I hope my grandson remembers these treasured times when he gets older. I know my wife and I will remember and cherish them until the day we die.

[Dara]

Oh yes! I know the feeling. I believe they will not only remember but it is a huge part in their development. There is something so special about a grandpa and grandma. Especially in this day and time we cherish every moment! Thank you so much for reading my poem and sharing your thoughts. :-)

[Lisasview]

Good morning Dara,
Just reread your delightful poem again.. I thought I had left a review...but alas, I did not.
What is so wonderful is that your grandson will read this when he is older and smile at your words...
and, remember the times you had together.
Lisa, now in Spain

[Dara]

Thank you! I hope he does. I read it to him the other day but he was ready to move on to LEGOs before I got to the last sentence. :-D I feel he will appreciate it more when he gets older, though. Take care! I really appreciate you taking time to respond.

[Lisasview]

Oh yes, he does need to be older..The perfect time will come along I am sure.
Lisa

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem dear Dara. I have five grandchildren and I make time for them. Children make us smile and keep our spirit seeking good things. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Dara]

They really do. I think grownups should pay closer attention. Children have so much to teach us about life and dealing with others in general. So good to see you here. Take care!

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear friend and hello dear Dara.

[Betty Hermelee]

How quickly time flies. This is a lovely poem, remembering your grandson's visits and all the wonderful memories you keep so close to your heart... the Lego toys, the songs played on the piano, now gathering dust, those long legs and big feet, just waiting for a tall grandson; now thinking about how much time is left for those weekly visits.... nice memories and vivid imagery.
Best, B

[Dara]

Thank you Betty. Yes, the time is going by way to quickly! As we get older the memories become even dearer. Your words sum it up beautifully.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Dara, and you're very welcome too! Enjoyed it.
Best, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Love the ending....he was to grow tall in your eyes...
and have that artist's personality...a gentle soul with an inherent gift to make others
feel a gathering of spirit.
j.

[Dara]

Thank you Jacob. Your input means a great deal to me. It’s been awhile since I have written with all of the worldly distraction. He’s been my saving grace. Take care!