This is the first poem I’ve ever published. It came to me one summer day last year while I was writing my children’s book, A Grandfamily for Sullivan. The words flowed out of me effortlessly. I’ve been hesitant to share it, because I am far from a poet, but this pandemic has reminded me how short life can be, and what’s really most important to me is taking a chance, feeling the fear, and doing it anyway. My hope is that it will be helpful to a grandparent or grandchild out there. And besides, who am I to decide what is good and bad poetry anyway?
THE MEANING
Sully and his Mom had to say good bye
He moved in with Grandma the day he turned five
Sully was sad about his new life
He was filled with anger, confusion and strife
Sometimes Sully hit, stole and lied
Grandma was frustrated, but stayed by his side
She scooped him up tight when he cried
Sully was grateful, but kept it inside
Sully moved back to Mom when he was eight
He was so happy, he started to quake!
But Mom didn’t change at a quick enough rate
She was sleeping a lot and staying out too late
Not before long Sully was at Grandma’s front gate
He was angry before, but now he was IRATE!
Grandma welcomed him back to her arms
She longed to keep him safe from harm
But this time his bright eyes lost their charm
Worries rippled his brain like a fire alarm
All Sully wanted was to be alone
He froze from the pain and sat like a stone
But this was behavior Grandma couldn’t condone
She invited him out for an ice cream cone
Sully was surprised by the love he was shown
Despite his down face and the use of his “tone.”
He realized with Grandma he was never alone!
Years passed and Grandma grew old
Sully’s tough life made him resilient and bold
But one day Grandma became sick with a cold
and between them many words left untold
Time was escaping and before it was too late
Sully walked up to Grandma’s front gate
Grandma, our life wasn’t always dreamy
But you taught me to trust again freely
You loved me even when nothing was easy
And accepted who I was without trying to change me
Because of you I found a home in our family
Sully, your sweet words are not surprising
I could see the kind heart that you were disguising
Thank you for being brave and sharing your feelings
But you are the one who gave MY life meaning
