Memories

For Grandma

I dreamt I walked a quiet hall
The moonlight creeping close behind
I listened carefully for your call
And reached out softly for your mind
As all the moments passed before
my eyes as I stepped slowly on
I wondered at the things I saw
I wondered if I’d been here long
Then quickly as the light appeared
My footsteps echoed far away
And then it was as I had feared
I broke into another day
And yet it seemed quite different
As the sunrise opened wide
And on the air I caught a scent
of lavender and thyme outside
I walked into the morning air
The sky was freshly washed and blue
I stood in golden sun and stared
as flowers woke from morning dew
And then across the way I heard
A sound so small, a gentle song
And there appeared a little bird
He told me that I did belong
For I am part of everything
and you are part of me
Listen closely when I sing
and I can set you free
Look for me in skies of gold
In falling leaves and daffodils
Look as every flower unfolds
The polished stones on windowsills
In every butterfly and bird
In poppies swaying on the breeze
In all the kindly written words
In long cool branches on the trees
These things are all around you now
And so am I with every dawn
No more the dark night whispers how
There is no need to be forlorn
A little robin told me so
and that must surely make it true
I’m everywhere the gardens grow
I’m everywhere each day with you

For Gran

The leaves are flying wildly, outside in the wind
And autumn colours tell me that the snows not far behind
You’d take my hand and tell me – ‘let’s go for a walk’
And after we can sit down for a drink and for a talk
We always did the crossword, and played the bingo too
We never won, did anyone, it mattered not to you
As long as there was someone, to chat to and relay
The things that went on in the street around us every day
And when it rained we’d stay inside, I’d draw, you’d comb my hair
And when the thunder came you’d hold me tight out on the stairs
We’d bake, then wait for Grandad, he’d be home sometime soon
You’d teach me games, and tricks, you were a mean hand at pontoon!
Footsteps to the back door, look, a friend has come to play
Just let them run round in the sun, that’s all they need today
There was a freedom in this childhood, no thing too daft or small
Just all that time to listen, stop, and right us when we fall
And so I stood beside you, my bright eyes looking on
And all the jokes and laughter made me feel like I belonged
You don’t grow old inside you know, you told me long ago
Your hair goes grey and lines around your eyes begin to show
But in your heart you’re young, still young, still sweet seventeen
Still full of longing for the sights and sounds you’ve never seen
So no one grows old really, and there’s no such thing as death
Just time that passes in-between each of our waking breaths
Don’t be afraid, you’d say, I would have stayed here if I could
And hinny, don’t go moping, it won’t do you any good
No tears, or fears of what we’ve lost and what’s still yet to be
Just memories of happy days we shared down by the sea

Time

Oh when did I become so grey
I think I must have been away
I don’t remember it at all
I would have seen you had you called
And yet amongst the depths of night
Your fingers combed and left a fright
And here I am all washed and worn
Like memories, all colour gone