by Laura Cushing
Member since:
August 4, 2006

A Photograph of my Grandparents

February 14, 2007 01:56 AM EST (Updated: February 21, 2007 12:59 AM EST)
views: 60 | rating: 9.5/10 (19 votes) | comments: 25
In their eyes is a certain
uncertainty that this
Polaroid contraption
will instantly capture memory.

In their youth, memories
were hard-earned, chemically
forged on photographic plates
while ramrods held them posed

Now Grandmother's hair
is wispy white
framing a suffering
savant face

Grandfather's back slopes
like the hills
of his Italy youth

Too soon she will rock
by a vacant chair
framing his face
from the window and sky
knitting a scarf she prays
will be long enough to reach him,
strong enough to unravel time.
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Comments: 25

Shawnee G. Feb 14, 2007, 2:04am EST
This is sad.
Carol Lloyd Feb 14, 2007, 2:23am EST
But its beautiful too as I did not need the picture to see the love
James s F. Feb 14, 2007, 2:36am EST
strong enough to unravel time.
Beautiful
Mary C Legg Feb 14, 2007, 2:42am EST
very, very articulate and poignant.
"Grandfather's back slopes
like the hills
of his Italy youth"


very beautiful, visual writing.
jerome k. Feb 14, 2007, 3:21am EST
So wonderful a picture drawn in words....
Wendy F. Feb 14, 2007, 3:32am EST
Hauntingly beautiful
Jacqueline B. Feb 14, 2007, 4:36am EST
This a very touching piece. Thank you for sharing it.
Lalitha B. Feb 14, 2007, 5:18am EST
Touching and intense. I loved the poem, Laura.
This is heavy, or intense. You wrote with heart. Nicely done.
Janet Somewhere Up On The Mount Feb 14, 2007, 8:11am EST
Sad but very touching. TY for sharing it.
Carolion Grailbear Feb 14, 2007, 8:40am EST
//Too soon she will rock
by a vacant chair//

Brilliant. Keep writing!
Michael Platt Feb 14, 2007, 10:03am EST
Well written, poignant imagery. Very nice, Laura.
Walter, The Patron Saint of Gather Feb 14, 2007, 10:03am EST
Very beautiful. It brings back many memories of my late grandma and the despair she endured at the loss of her husband.
Sue * Feb 14, 2007, 10:14am EST
I think this is wonderful. Yes, it has hints of sadness and lonliness-but mostly it is a love story.
Aaron Lazar, (author of LeGarde Mysteries) Feb 14, 2007, 10:44am EST
Extremely moving and lyrical. Thanks for sharing. ;o)
Hunter A. Feb 14, 2007, 10:55am EST
Touching, beautiful, sad and real. Everything a good poem should be.
Anne B. Grote Feb 14, 2007, 11:07am EST
It's clear that your grandparents made a great impression on you. Time takes hold of everyone.
Larry H. Feb 14, 2007, 11:31am EST
thanks for sharing..
arlene (no shame in my game) w. Feb 14, 2007, 12:30pm EST
Gee, I got a lump in my throat.
Laura Cushing Feb 14, 2007, 2:55pm EST
Thanks everyone!
Pat M. Feb 14, 2007, 3:53pm EST
Love it.
barb w. Feb 14, 2007, 6:18pm EST
Like this: a certain uncertainty...
Connie C. Feb 14, 2007, 9:50pm EST
It was full of emotion and so very sad. Very well written.
Marinela Kotsina Feb 17, 2007, 12:54am EST
Beautiful and touching
thank you

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