when you were home
(which was not often
you were mainly at sea)
you left a cup of tea by my bed
every morning
it remained untouched
i never drank it once
one for nana
one for mummy
one for me
you did it
so i wouldn't feel excluded
you used to fill a cigarette tin
with two shilling pieces
for my pocket money
you took me to an Elvis Presley movie
when i was thirteen
because all the other girls
had seen' Blue Hawaii'
except for me
(my mother thought Elvis was uncouth )
no it wasn't just a cup of tea
it was love
i was loved
i was blessed
and i didn't realise it
until later on when
i came across so many
throughout my life
who were not
you will always remain in my heart
i will love you forever Grandpa
What a beautifully touching poem, Rall. Your grandpa definitely knew how to SHOW love, not just say the words!
ReplyDeleteThis poem is so touching. You are right, so many grow up not knowing they are loved. What a wonderful Grandpa you had. A beautiful poem. I had a sweet one too. He was quiet and could sound gruff but it covered his tender heart. He had twinkling eyes for children and would put a small envelope with a shiny dime for me in his letters to my mom.
ReplyDeleteLove the heartwarming lines.
ReplyDeleteYour poem was a lovely surprise, Rall! Intimate and nostalgic, it touched my heart and reminded me a little of my own childhood, much of which was spent with my grandparents, especially:
ReplyDelete‘you used to fill a cigarette tin
with two shilling pieces
for my pocket money’.
Oh!!! This was WONDERFUL.
ReplyDeleteLove it, so heart-felt, i could touch the emotion.
ReplyDeleteGood Grandpas are the best! I had one too.
ReplyDeleteSincerely written and relatable. Too often we don't know love until we learn its opposite.
ReplyDeleteYou have painted a touching, lovely word poem about a man I know was special .. because you told us so.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reminiscence recalled for the things that were important...the cups of tea...
ReplyDeletea beautiful ode to your granddad and yes you are blessed xx
ReplyDelete...and this is me, crying. So many memories, all spurred by a simple cup of tea. Thanks, this is lovely!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful grandpa. It's so true, we don't realize what blessings one person bestows until later when we come across so many who do not. Well said!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful love song for a beloved grandfather. A blessing indeed.
ReplyDelete❤️
ReplyDeleteOooh this brought joyful tears to my eyes.. the love .. the tea.. the love... simply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA cup more than tea, a gift of love, life, and care. I could feel the emotion i it.
ReplyDeleteFew things are as glorious, as learning how much we are loved. What a treat. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDelete'nother grandpa tale of love and care. We often don't know what life gifts us without asking.
ReplyDeleteA touching and lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteTouching. Nice.
ReplyDelete