Sunday, May 6, 2012

Mary's Smile

image: River Irwell by R.A.D. Stainforth


Mary's Smile

My grandmother
had a smile
deep as this river.
She smiled as she
did the ladies’ hair
and raised six
children.
She smiled as my
grandfather milked
all those cows.
And she smiled
as she asked where
I’d been Sunday night.
Her smile contained
the souls of everyone
she ever knew.
And at night,
as she said her prayers,
she tucked those souls
behind her lips
for safekeeping.



This is a Magpie Tale.


22 comments:

  1. sometimes the smile is all we need to remember.

    the river

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  2. amazing piece...love the tucking of the souls behind her lips after prayer...a lovely trib to her...

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  3. I've read several poems today devoted to this picture and yours is my favorite. And no, I didn't tell the others the same thing.

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  4. I can see it all right there. You're right about that smile.

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  5. This poem and Grandmothers smile are a treasure deeper in your heart than every river. So much love. xoxo

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  6. Oh how lovely she would be so proud! ..and she sounds so much like mine too! Lovely!

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  7. So perfect......
    A lovely Mother's Day tribute......

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  8. And I bet the prayers still linger in the air...

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  9. I love this one.

    Absolutely love it.

    =)

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  10. In fact, if you don't mind, I am going to send other people here to read it.

    =)

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  11. I like your gentle way with words, especially the last phrase. And the picture of that gorgeous smile made it all come to life.

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  12. The photograph is proof positive of the trueness of the sweet words. (Note to self: smile more! Just like you did when you read this poem.)

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  13. A lovely tribute - she IS beautiful and I'll bet you inherited the best of her!

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  14. My favorite line was.... Her smile contained the souls of everyone she ever knew. That is really powerful...Great poem Dana!

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  15. Beautiful poem and the last three lines are powerful:)

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  16. LOVE that poem. And your grandmother with "that smile" and the dimpled chin is a stunner!

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  17. Oh Bug...this is absolutely glorious and beautiful! I love love love this poem!!! :-)

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  18. Lovely .. using the majesty, strength and beauty of a river to describe your grandmother.

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