A birthday lunch with a family of strangers resulted in this little number
His Name was Stan
A gentleman he was, indeed,
and handsome too -
despite the teeth
that flashed
(too Colgate white)
when'er he smiled.
He'd been a good looker
I'm sure, in his day.
Tall and shapely
with chiseled cheeks
and that faintly deferential manner
of one who has followed orders.
He was sitting on the couch
when we arrived,
surrounded by birthday barbecue buzz.
In his arms he cradled a small pink bundle
and his crepey hands patted, rhythmically
(and ever so fondly)
the new great grandchild.
His eyes were far away -
remembering perhaps
a time long ago,
when he was denied
such a feminine expression
of his devotion.
There was something compelling about him -
the unaffected grace
of nearly ninety years.
His name was Stan.
I uttered, "Ahhh," as I finished the last lines. I loved this portrayal of Stan. We remain ourselves, somewhere inside, at any age.
Word pictures to delight the heart and mellow the mood... Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing
a portrait worthy of the elder of a great clan, well written, moving.
You breathe life, majesty and worth into Stan with your words, Allie. It has been a real privilege to meet him, and your literary device, especially the alliterative delights, showcase him to perfection. Splendid. :)
And all the generations in between, a lovely picture drawn Allie thank you and belated birthday wishes to you with love Bob
Alison, I wonder if you take a notebook out and jot down little snippets about your chosen subject, 'cause if you don't you have a wonderful memory for detail. I think his teeth are like stars, that come out at night as they are so white. How beautiful his crepey hands look in my mind's eye as he pats his new GREAT grandchild! I feel so priveleged to be treated to another of your special poems where you bring to life the people in your life, that touch mine so very much.
Extraordinary age to live so long and still survive with something interesting to make a note!
a magical moment of bonding with an infant... at least he had the experience, even if a little too late.... 99 years! god bless him...!
Your companion journeyman His name was Stan, I can imagine his colgate smile of the good looker, Anyway, your fine portrait of Stan Tattooed in our hearts! Lot of thanks.
A wonderfully written tribute to this Stan man.I believe he is still alive( though you use past tense ).I love the closing stanza here Allie so gracefully concluded with the years of his life...Great work
You picked up the measure of Stan in this verse dear Allie and presented a man we can relate to. Someone who ,shackled once to the past now sees a new reason for smiling. Your gem of a poem puts on his face a look of the newly-born now. Applause for this worthy peek into another corner of your perceptive heart.
You bring this interesting man to life for your readers, Allie. I'm very pleased to have met Stan.
A nice touch of tribute to a nearly century old person. Lovely indeed.
very lovely
Another very sweet poem, yet there are instances where the poem touched my heart. Allie...lol, again a nice poem that sets you apart from the rest. Love the " small pink bundle" lol... Lovely
A moment with Stan and his new grandchild beautifully captured Allie...
Only a heart like yours Allison would capture what might have been a forgotten moment and provided Stan with a well deserved piece of immortality in this thought provoking and very sensitive observation.