To a Grandfather

[gooseberry]

If I could resurrect you,
I would.

Gently wake you,
to be much more again,
than just a passing thought.

I would paint you
in bold strokes,
those brash strokes
of a vivid life,
not the time locked
sepia greys,
nor discarded,
upon high placed
shelves in dust,
hurting for the
unlived now,
all because I
never knew you.

[songofmeadow]

A poem full of regret, I thought the second stanza particularly well crafted both in structure/line ends and the dual meaning of the word 'passing' and equally the last stanza for its breadth of insight that many will relate to, I do mx

[Balustrade]

I have not met two of my four grandparents though I heard a lot of praise said about them. I would say it is a blessing to have and cherish a passing thought. Some people forget or choose to ignore. That would be disasterous.

[Mike6]

I didn't meet my grandfather either, I think this is why this poem speaks volumes to me. It's full of ache, but there's power in that sadness and I really think you did your grandfather or any grandfather who hasn't had the chance to see their grandkids due to death/illness etc. justice. Very touching poem. Probably my favourite by you so far. :) Awesome work!

[gooseberry]

Thank you songofmeadow,Balustrade and Mike for your very kind words.

Balustrade,I understand your point and I do cherish that passing thought.My regret however comes from his experiences in World War 1 when he suffered shell shock at the battle of the Somme.He was in and out of psychiatric hospitals for the rest of his life before dying two years before I was born.My father finds it very difficult to discuss possibly because of the stigma attached at that time (and even now).I would have liked the chance to know him even though I acknowledge he possibly wouldn't have wanted to speak of his war experiences.

[rupertpupkin]

Wonderful write and most deserving of a spotlight. Well done!