What Do You See?
What Do I See?
What do you see?
Blue ocean water against a rocky shore
Or the cloudless sky admiring from above?
What do you smell?
Crisp salty air, sea life and sulphur,
Or a combination of all?
What do you hear?
Wind in the waves lapping off the rocks,
Or squawking seabirds searching for a meal?
What do I see?
I see the blue in my grandmother’s smiling eyes,
As I stroll into her kitchen on a Saturday night.
I see the rock solid foundation my grandfather built,
Still holding strong, even decades after he’s gone.
I smell the raisin bread baking in the oven,
Or the gingerbread, or whatever be the sweet treat of the day.
I smell the Old Spice aftershave my grandfather always wore,
And the Old Sam rum he enjoyed, much to Nan’s chagrin.
I hear of the voices of family gathered in that same kitchen,
And the accordion my grandfather used to play.
I hear the love and the laughter, and even the squabbles
That make real families real.
There are miles and decades of separation in those rocks now.
Years and oceans lie between us,
But my lungs still breathe that same salt air
And my soul still bathes in those same rough waters.
I see my grandmother’s blue ocean eyes,
And I see home.
About the Creator
Cathy holmes
Canadian family girl with a recently discovered love for writing. Other loves include animals and sports.
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Where's the Glory?
In breaking news, rehabilitated Republican Senator Johnnie Johnson (Pronouns: HE, HIM, HIS) called a press conference from the Men’s room of the New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, Concourse B, across from the Ignatius Reilly’s Lucky Dog stand. The Senator had just returned from a sexual reorientation rehabilitation program in Memphis, TN after being publically disgraced at a Buckee’s Truckstop restroom soliciting sex from an undercover cop three months ago. He is a founding member of the Reformed Christians for Christ, a conservative, pro-family and ex-gay advocacy group. In the spirit of being reborn, Senator Johnson invited reporters to marvel at his plans for a major remodeling of airport bathrooms.
By Cathy Schieffelin5 days ago in Humor
Comments (24)
So beautiful. I can't believe I haven't read this one before. 💙💚🩵 Makes me feel like home.
The feelings evoked in this poem😩😩😩
Enjoyed the feelings that this poem give me.
Nostalgia seems to be going around these days. It is in a lot of poems and writings. Ah the good old days. Enjoyed the feeling.
Your family sounds lovely. The poem is nice too ❤️
These are sentiments with which I can relate. When I think of those who are no longer with me, I recall the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and touch sometimes as if it were yesterday--or right in that moment. You aptly conveyed the beauty that only fond memories can convey.
Deep and moving memories, Cathy. Thank you for sharing them with the world!
So very heartfelt and lovely :) What a wonderful dose of comfort, great work!
This is very lovely!!
Love it! Made me smile which is a great result for the morning!
Wonderful memories of a time gone by. I'm sure you cherish them. Beautiful!
Nicely written poem. With great use of visuals.
This pulls on all my senses. You have conjured some superb nostalgia. 🥰
Beautifully visually pleasing poetry Cathy. As a mental health nurse, I have to say that you mastered the art of mindfulness with this one😊❤️. Hearted (I wish I could have hearted it gold.)
You know I'm a sucker for sensory poetry and this ticked all my boxes (and made me cry). Well done!
this is an interesting piece. its construction transports us to use not only our senses but also our own memories - pretty cool. The third last line caught me off guard and still does..(the blue sky smiles and the waves lap and the memories - although not all perfectly rosy - seem very fond.)
Great!!💕
Wonderful! You just transported me home.
Beautiful 🥰
Loved the sense of nostalgia! Very beautiful poem!
Absolutely beautiful and perfect for your prompt
Absolutely beautiful Cathy. It certainly tugs at my heart strings.
Spectacular poetry! It appeals to all the senses and to the emotions as well.
Ugh, lovely! "There are miles and decades of separation in those rocks now."