Poetry | Posted by Jannie on 6 November 2008 @ 11:40 AM
Sometimes in dreams I’ll forget that she’s dead
and I’ll see her dancing on the wing of a plane
or waving good-bye from the back of a train.
Or laughing on a gurney, as if she’d never gone.
As if we’d never cried and laid her in the ground.
And if my dreams keep this up, how will I ever
know if I’m dead or alive when my time comes?
*************************************************
Me: That’s about your grandmother. What do you think?
She: That’s not a poem.
Me: What?
She: It doesn’t even rhyme.
(Edit: I should add this is my husband’s mom, she died 5 years ago at the age of 97. She was 95 in this photo and Kelly 10 months old.)
On 6 November 2008 at 6:54 pm
Stephanie said,
A very beautiful tribute and I think poems are better when they don’t rhyme.
On 6 November 2008 at 1:12 pm
Mia said,
You’ll know because you will again be able to feel the warmth of her embrace.
It’s poetry of the heart.
On 6 November 2008 at 1:51 pm
debbie said,
That is just the sweetest tribute.
debbie’s last blog post..I’m considering a move to Italy
On 6 November 2008 at 1:54 pm
Talon said,
This was so bittersweet…I had to smile at the “doesn’t even rhyme”…
I never knew my grandparents…but I would like to think I would feel this way if I had…
On 6 November 2008 at 2:28 pm
amber said,
So beautifully written. Funny that people assume that poems have to rhyme. I know I did for the longest time.
amber’s last blog post..call me a liar..or a slacker
On 6 November 2008 at 2:31 pm
csquaredplus3 said,
I’ve said those exact words, “Sometimes in dreams I’ll forget that she’s dead…” to my husband about my deceased grandmother. Lovely.
The photograph is beautiful and your daughter’s comment precious.
On 6 November 2008 at 3:01 pm
Lynn said,
That picture is a treasure and what a lovely tribute!
Lynn’s last blog post..Trees, more trees and unsung heroes
On 6 November 2008 at 3:48 pm
Jinxi said,
That’s so beautiful!
It really made me stop, ponder and be grateful for moments and people that truly matter in my life.
Thank you for that!
Winx, Jinxi
Jinxi’s last blog post..Bittersweet
On 6 November 2008 at 4:41 pm
Joy said,
It is so a poem. Tell her I said so!
Just joking. That’s cute, you know how little ones are –
they’re so smart they think they know it all.
Joy’s last blog post..INFATUATION
On 6 November 2008 at 6:18 pm
Caitlin said,
Poetry doesn’t always have to rhyme. It is a poem and it’s beautiful.
Caitlin’s last blog post..Feeling down.
On 6 November 2008 at 7:03 pm
Mama Zen said,
This is lovely! I feel very much the same way about my grandfather.
Mama Zen’s last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
On 6 November 2008 at 8:01 pm
Thomma Lyn said,
What a precious picture, and thanks for sharing that lovely poem.
Grandparents are so special. My grandmother died in early 2005, at the age of 100. I dream about her and still miss her. What an amazing life she had.
Thomma Lyn’s last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
On 6 November 2008 at 8:26 pm
Georgie B said,
What a wonderful little poem about your daughter’s grand-mother.
I was fortunate enough that mine lived long enough to become a great-grandmother.
On 6 November 2008 at 9:49 pm
Jennifer said,
How beautiful Jannie! This makes me wish I had known her. I love the poem and the picture. She just look like such a beautiful woman inside and out.
On 6 November 2008 at 11:14 pm
Sheila Deeth said,
What a lovely poem, and lovely picture. So pleased to meet you Jannie, and thanks for visiting my page.
Sheila Deeth’s last blog post..Coming soon…
On 7 November 2008 at 6:53 am
Jannie said,
Mia: What a lovely sentiment, thanks. It’s always a pleasure to see you back here.
Debbi: Thank you, I guess it did turn out okay, IMHO. My poetry is usually on the less-than-great side.
Talon: you never knew your grandparents, maybe you will get to be a grand-ma one day and experience it from that wonderful perspective, I know I will love being one, if I’m lucky enough to.
Amber: For me the very best poems do not rhyme. Like Billy Collins – love him. Do you know him?
Csquared+3: I wonder why we dream they have never died? It if nice to see them, tho. For me especially since she is always so happy.
Lynn: yes it is such a blessing to have that photo. I love the way Kelly has her arm out, so sweet.
Jinxi: Yay, I made you ponder and be grateful. So glad I was able to touch you in a positive way! That humbles me and makes me feel so happy.
Joy: it’s such a blast to hear what Kelly will say next. Part of me wonders if she is getting too old for funny little moments but something else bigger tells me there are still a lot of funny bits I’ll glean from her.
Caitlyn: as I said to Amber above, my favorite poems do not rhyme. And thanks, as usual, for your kind words.
Stephanie: I know I’m not a great or even good poet but sometimes a decent line or two will pop up. I like the one about her dancing on the wing of a plane best.
Mama Zen: I never did get to meet either grandfather, they both had died before I was born and I always wonder what it would have been like to know them. Yours must’ve been very special. I’d love to hear more about him.
Thomma Lyn: 100 years old! What an amazing life. I wonder if you will blog about her some day?
Georgie B: A great-grandmother, now that’s something extra wonderful. Maybe we’ll get to be those too!
Jennifer: Thank you. My husband’s mom was an extraordinary, loving, funny, sweet kind person. She owned and ran an antique store right up until she was 85 years old!
Sheila: pleased to meet you too! I have put you in my favs and will enjoy checking back with you. Thanks for visiting.
On 7 November 2008 at 8:29 am
Renee said,
Jannie, that is precious! She looks so healthy and fabulous, especially for 95! WOW!
What a blessing to have such a long life. Isn’t it great that she got to meet Kelly before she passed?
Renee’s last blog post..My Next Elf Sculpture in Progress
On 7 November 2008 at 10:04 am
wade said,
I am simply overwhelmed.I had no idea that you could write that well. That verse would do any poet proud. I guess I better go back and look at your poetry category to see what I have missed.
On 7 November 2008 at 11:21 am
Jannie said,
Renee: Yes, Kelly was about 20 months when she passed. We gave Kelly her nane as a middle name, Ann. and it was the only grandchild named for her. That was pretty special and Ann was so grateful.
Wade: Sorry my other stuff will probaly disappoint. But it is what is.
(now to read your latest post.)
On 7 November 2008 at 3:16 pm
jill said,
beautiful, I lost my daughter about 3 years ago, I will know when I get to hug her again!
jill’s last blog post..Looking Forward to a Little Nothing
On 7 November 2008 at 3:33 pm
Heff said,
Well, now I’m just thoroughly depressed.
Heff’s last blog post..Weekend WhupAiss/What’s On Tap, Heff ? Combo Platter !
On 7 November 2008 at 4:32 pm
Miladysa said,
That poem is fabulous – you are most talented young lady
Lovely tribute and photograph too!
On 7 November 2008 at 4:59 pm
Nancy said,
Jannie,
Thanks for the comment.I guess coaching softball gets me a little farmers tan! LOL….Thanks for sharing the poem about grandmothers. I love our senior citizens. I was raised with two sets of wonderful grandparents that I miss very much! They all lived very long and productive lives and I learned so much from them growing up.One of my pet peeves is mistreatment to older folks….where would we be without them? Thanks again….
On 7 November 2008 at 9:25 pm
Aunt LoLo said,
That is such a sweet post. I lost my grandmother two weeks ago tomorrow.
Thanks for stopping by Bubba Bubbles!
On 7 November 2008 at 11:12 pm
Vered - MomGrind said,
I have tears in my eyes.
On 7 November 2008 at 11:21 pm
Robin said,
My father died last year, age 87. His presence is always with us when the family get together.
The way I see it, we will be with loved ones again when they reincarnate. It’ll take a while, though – sigh.
Robin’s last blog post..How To Find Happiness
On 8 November 2008 at 9:13 am
Carla said,
97, wow! That’s quite a feat. I have a great uncle who just passed away. He was 96. Beautiful poem. Lovely tribute.
Carla’s last blog post..It’s Time for Tea
On 8 November 2008 at 9:27 am
Jannie said,
Oh, Jill, my heart is with you. I have not lost a child but a brother and a sister and death is so so sad, but a mystery I know we will understand in full one day.
Heff: Big guy, sorry to bring you down. But I bet you will soon be laughing again. And chugging back soem beer as you toast those gone on before!
Miladysa: I have mostly my dream to thank for these words. I am more of a poet wannabe than anything but I did get lucky on this one, in fact the 2nd and 3rd lines lend themselves very well to a song…
Nancy: Yes the maltreatment of old people is right up there with child abuse. I thank you for sharing about your grandparents, I bet you were a star in their eyes!
LoLo: My heart is with you too. I am glad you stopped by and look forward to seeing you soon and visiting your blog again too.
Robyn: Thank you for popping over. You must miss your father very much. All in the fullness of time I do believe, we will all be together again. (Hey, just like in that “Circle” song of Harry Chapin’s.)
Carla: Welcome to my humble site. Thank you for your kind words. 96 for a man is a wonderful long time. I am hoping the same for my husband as he is 22 years older than I. if he lives to be 96, I’ll be a young chick of 74 then!
On 8 November 2008 at 9:50 am
Bee said,
That was beautiful!
)
Bee’s last blog post..R. Kelly was trapped in the closet, I was trapped in the bathroom but I still might make a song out of it.
On 8 November 2008 at 2:44 pm
Lance said,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful poem Jannie. What a lovely way to remember her.
Lance’s last blog post..Fear: Does It Hold You Back?
On 9 November 2008 at 1:51 am
Rhett said,
A sweet poem, indeed, and I do relate!
Rhett
Rhett’s last blog post..Winter Mornings and Winter Winds
On 9 November 2008 at 1:55 am
Rhett said,
BTW, your name sounds much like Jodie Foster.
Rhett’s last blog post..Winter Mornings and Winter Winds
On 9 November 2008 at 2:11 am
Sheila said,
Great…I just finished watching Armegeddon, bauling my eyes out…and I thought, okay, I’ll got check out some blogs, THAT’LL lift my spirits!
Here I am again with tears in my eyes. Your ‘poem’ is beautiful.
Sheila’s last blog post..Goodbye.
On 9 November 2008 at 2:14 am
Heather (How to be a Woman..?) said,
Beautiful. And who cares if it doesn’t rhyme! How sweet indeed. Aww, I miss my Grandma now.
Heather (How to be a Woman..?)’s last blog post..Women take good photos of their kids
On 9 November 2008 at 2:32 am
Jesica said,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and taking time to comment. It’s very nice to “meet” you.
Love this poem, love your blog, will be back to read more.
(I hear they sell fudge at the store ::wink::)
Jesica’s last blog post..Small Spaces
On 9 November 2008 at 3:19 am
Jesica said,
Mine wasn’t homemade, either. Just fudge in a box from a store. Sorry.
Jesica’s last blog post..Small Spaces
On 9 November 2008 at 4:48 am
Cath Lawson said,
Jannie – what a beautiful poem. She looks far younger than 95 on that photo too.
My grandparents died a long time ago but my husband’s grandmother is 93. She still lives in her own house and does all her own cooking and stuff. It amazes me how some folk can just keep going.
On 9 November 2008 at 8:29 am
karyn said,
I really liked that poem you wrote.
And to answer your questions about the name of Sailor Mittens. I agree with the image you picture, but this is how I came up with it.
One of my families old dogs was named Mittens. And I live in the Mitten State. And I like the children’s story Scuppers the Sailor Dog… so I combined it and made Sailor Mittens.
On 9 November 2008 at 2:01 pm
SnaggleTooth said,
Poems don’t have to rhyme, but they have to meter.
Sometimes my parents n Gramps forget they’re dead too. If I remember, I awaken with a jolt.
Rest in Peace dearly departed-
SnaggleTooth’s last blog post..Blue
On 9 November 2008 at 7:19 pm
Jannie said,
Bee: Thank you I know you’re a funster at heart too but you can appreciate the mores seious side of life too.
Rhett: Yeah Jodie Foster, why didn’t I snag that moniker first?! Well, Funster will have to do.
Sheila: I so know how you feel as last night I was left bawling after reading a very poignant blog post about a family burying a beloved cat. Love is love.
Heather: Sometimes I miss my grandmothers so much it hurts so I can relate.
Jesica: Your blog is now in my favs too. And I’m still craving fudge today.
Cath: Wow, still lives in her house and does all her own cooking. Does she live near you?
Karyn: I would never have ggessed how you came up with your name. And I did not even realize there was a Mitten State, just learn something interesting every day, don’t you?
Yes, Snag, that could very well be part it, THEY forget they’re dead, come back for a bit to say hi.
On 10 November 2008 at 2:48 am
Jeanne said,
Jannie,
That is just beautiful!! The poem, the picture… everything. That is so great that your daughter got to meet her and that you used her name for Kelly’s middle name… What a wonderful tribute to her!!
Jeanne
Jeanne’s last blog post..Endometriosis Blog: Endometriosis Awareness Petition Will Be Sent This Weekend To Oprah And The View
On 11 November 2008 at 2:45 am
Tammy Warren said,
What a beautiful piece of writing and this is very heartfelt. I miss my grandmother so much. She passed away when my youngest was five. I have pictures very similar to this one. I am sure you all miss her very much. She lived a long life.
Tammy Warren’s last blog post..A good belly laugh
On 11 November 2008 at 6:11 am
Jannie said,
Jeanne: Humbled, as always by your presence. Thank you.
Tammy: I do miss her!! It is sad and it’s sweet and we cannot understanad it all now but one day we will and we will all shine together forever.
On 11 November 2008 at 9:32 pm
Bulldog said,
Very nice.
I was lucky enough to have known all of my grandparents, and five of my eight great-grandparents.
Bulldog’s last blog post..
On 11 November 2008 at 9:52 pm
Jannie said,
Bulldog: That’s amazing. Five of your eight grand-parrents – that means you’ll no doubt live at least until 100? Glad to know you’ll be my bloggin’ bud for a looooog time, yay.
Jannie’s last blog post..Endometriosis sucks