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Granddad Was A Frenchman*
by Melissa Arel
My Granddad was a frenchman
And quite a temper had he
He'd bite his tongue and ball-up his fists
Turning as red as a tomatoe could be
He didn't talk much, took long naps
He smoked and read the newspaper
Demanded his dinner on time with dessert
Precisely at five, no later
He understood english but would only speak french
So I never quite knew what he was saying
But late at night you'd find us in the kitchen
SKIP-BO is the game we were playing
When I'd come up to him with a hug and a kiss
I'd see him smile on rare occasions
They say I was his favorite grandchild of all
"I love you" was never lost in translation
My mother grew up with his violence in the home
A father's love is something she never was given
She got married at nineteen, anxious to leave
And start a life she felt was worth living
I can't say that I learned any of life's lessons from him
Now resting under a plot in Quebec
But he certainly was a memorable character at that
Someone I will never forget.
:)
09/17/2004 Author's Note: (((Grandpa Gilbert)))
*Inspired by Mike Loftis's poem "Granddad Was An Irishman"
**On a side note, my mom & aunt Louise thought this was great, but my aunt Francine was offended by it. They assured me it would get all the way to Canada! LoL.. Ahh the pains of being honest :)
Posted on 09/18/2004
Copyright © 2024 Melissa Arel
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Ken Harnisch on 09/18/04 at 04:23 AM interesting rhyme scheme to paint the portrait of a fascinating character |
| Posted by Tim D Livingston on 09/18/04 at 02:16 PM Ha! What a delightful and affectionate description. |
| Posted by Mike Loftis on 09/18/04 at 09:44 PM This is beautiful Melissa. The bittersweet relationship and the bond between the two of you. |
| Posted by Charles E Minshall on 10/12/04 at 05:30 PM Nice reading Mel...Charlie |
| Posted by Max Bouillet on 10/16/04 at 05:56 PM Poetry isn't poetry unless it offends someone! :lol: Great words that really tells a story and shows the difference in generations. |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 10/05/11 at 03:23 PM You'be brought him to life here. Mostly I appreciate how you can look back and still give him a proper place in your memories. |
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