Monday, May 2, 2011

Magpie Tales Photo Prompt 64: Remembering A Grandmother


my mother's mother




every reach,
each edifice,
wisdomed arms,
pursed lips colored


all landscapes; 


every fire,
each shelter,
and all eyes 
smoldered life, and I, 


the child clinging 
to my mother's 
mother 


trusted every
breath to 
those furtive 
futures. 


Poem © 2011 R. Burnett Baker 
Photo courtesy of Tess Kincaid
Photo:  Smoldering Fires, Clarence Holbrook Carter, 1904-2000
Columbus Museum of Art
Posted by at

18 comments:

  1. Tess KincaidMay 2, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    I clung to my father's mother in just this way. Kindred spirits, we. Beautiful.

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  2. Brian MillerMay 2, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    smiles. this has a wonderful peaceful feeling to it perhaps in the faith of the child.

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  3. The Blog of BeeMay 2, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    The trust of a child before being exposed to the world is a wonder to behold

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  4. AnonymousMay 2, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    This a absolutely stunning! I love the movement in these words!

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  5. JinksyMay 2, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    Grans are often special...

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  6. MargaretMay 2, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    The love of a grandmother, her protection, is felt in the heart forever. Beautiful.

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  7. Glenn ButtkusMay 2, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    My wife is now a grandmother
    times three, and watching her
    light up around those tykes,
    letting her own motherhood
    re-emerge like an angel who
    has been beat down by
    menopause and life, fills
    me with delight. I like your
    lines: /pursed lips colored/
    all landscapes/.

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  8. Kathe W.May 2, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    a childs trust and faith - wonderful poem

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  9. Kay L. DaviesMay 2, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    I still mourn my mother, and my mother's mother. Your words evoke many childhood memories.
    — K

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

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  10. Jenne' R. Andrews May 2, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    tender, evocative take on the prompt-- really enjoyed this! xxxj

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  11. stevenMay 3, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    nice writing rick - especially "furtive futures". steven

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  12. kelvin s.m.May 3, 2011 at 4:51 AM

    ...i grew up with my grand mother's care since mom and dad was always away to work somewhere.. and they always seem stranger to me whenever they come to see me.. so i can deeply relate to this... and during those times i have learned the essence of silence and realized i, myself, was stranger too... thanks for the poem.

    ~Kelvin

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  13. Isabel DoyleMay 3, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    a lovely poem of trust and comfort

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  14. Dulçe ♥May 3, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    please...Let me just 'respec't your words by saying nothing, but thank you.
    D.

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  15. Paul CMay 3, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    I like the reassurance, security, and comfort that grandmothers can give. You have provided that vividly in your poem.

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  16. hyperCRYPTICalMay 4, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    True brilliance!

    Anna :o]

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  17. Tumblewords:May 4, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    Powerfully protective and evocative.

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  18. Carrie Van HornMay 7, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    This is amazing Rick a wonderful tribute to your Mother's Mother!

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