Monday, May 2, 2011

Heirlooms

Emma and Earl Carpenter


Heirlooms


After my grandfather died,
my grandmother,
aching with her loneliness,
gave me some of his personal effects;
a yellow flannel shirt that had dried
deer blood on the pocket,
always too small for me,
a dangerously sharp straight razor
complete with strop,
a pair of his brown zyl glasses
with flecks of oil paint
still on both lenses,
and a bone hair brush,
laden with some of his hair.

Today is Friday, his death day,
so once more I open the White Owl
cigar box to visit with those
precious heirlooms. Once again
I will notice some
of his long grey hairs
loose in the bottom. One more time
I will pick up a single hair
between my thumb and index finger
holding it up to the light,
anxiously awaiting
the wonderful weeping
which always commences as
I touch
a flake of his skin.


Glenn Buttkus

Revisited from March 2010
Listed as #24 over on Magpie Tales 64

Would you like for the Author to read this poem to you?
at

12 comments:

  1. Kathe W.May 2, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    this is so touching-

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kay L. DaviesMay 2, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    "wonderful weeping" — heartbreaking, yet hopeful.
    — K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

    ReplyDelete
  3. David GilmourMay 2, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Glenn,
    Not a sentimentalist myself, but I did like your "Heirlooms" memorial poem to your Grandfather,
    the artist.

    ReplyDelete
  4. brenda wMay 2, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    This is gorgeous and nostalgic. I love that you acknowledge "his death day." I try not to open a drawer in a certain bureau, for fear the smell of my grandmother's house will waft out for the last time. Thank you for Heirlooms.
    ~Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 3, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    Very tender. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tess KincaidMay 3, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    This is really beautiful, Glenn. I love the way you examine and cherish the remaining external bits of his DNA. You're a hopeless romantic, just like me.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Isabel DoyleMay 3, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    beautifully captured memories and honourings (if that is a word?)

    ReplyDelete
  8. janetleighMay 4, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    O God, this is achingly beautiful, Glenn. What imagery. And, "wonderful weeping" I can relate to.

    ReplyDelete
  9. hyperCRYPTICalMay 4, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    For the fist time I listened to you read Glenn - and in doing so, felt deeply touched by your words.

    Thank you.

    Anna :o]

    ReplyDelete
  10. Tumblewords:May 4, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    Heart reaching!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis HallMay 5, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    passionate tale.
    bless you,

    peace and love for your grand parents.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Steve IsaakMay 6, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Relatable, warm work.

    ReplyDelete