For young Jim Henson
visits to his grandmother Dear
stoked a flickering flame
of creativity at his core.
Together
they would listen to the radio –
ventriloquist Edgar Bergen,
variety shows, comedy hours –
and spend hours
drawing, crafting.
Like Henson’s grandmother,
my Dot
delighted in entertaining
her grandchildren.
A teacher in her youth,
Dot led us tramping through
the New Jersey Pine Barrens
in search of tree frogs, mushrooms
and deviously beautiful pitcher plants.
In the evening,
I would scoot close
to watch her knitting needles
fly at lightening speed.
Today my own needles
charge through
soft scarves, cabled sweaters,
patterned mittens, scrumptious cowls.
When heartbreak visited
in my early twenties,
I drove hours
to sit with Dot
over an ever present cup of tea.
Wisdom
comes with living.
And grandmothers,
have seen it all.
They have been loved
ignored
burdened
blessed
forgotten
and feted.
When Dot‘s grandchildren arrived,
she didn’t ask about homework
or grades or misdeeds.
Dot knew what truly mattered
lay just outside the door —
along a wooded path,
in a canoe,
walking the beach.
I miss her every day.
A Reading Life 
I am a grandmother, myself, these days and your post inspires me to be a far better grandmother than I have been.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poem truly touched my heart. We have eleven grandchildren, from age 4 to 19. I struggle to carve out time with them because I do believe that grandparents have much to share and teach. I try to get each of them alone a few times a year. It’s always a special time. Your poem is a keeper. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is beautiful. I remembered my two grandchildren.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The magic of grandmothers! Like you, I spent many hours with my grandmother during my childhood and teens years. She taught me how to sew, solve crossword puzzles, spell, name trees and plants, play the piano…I loved spending time with her because there was never an expectation to be anything other than her granddaughter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m getting all the feels from this slice. This- “ They have been loved,
ignored
burdened
blessed
forgotten
and feted.”
LikeLike
We both have grandmother slices today. I loved learning about your grandmother- mine is different and the same, like I think all grandmothers are! Loved the images in your poem, especially driving just to sit with your grandmother.
LikeLike
This was lovely! What a wonderful grandmother to have had and remember. I love how you brought your memories to life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
such a beautiful post! God bless
LikeLike