Homework April: Sudden Recall
Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2024 6:39 pm
Sudden Recall
Age seems to cloud the memories of decades long gone by
as badly mottled photo seems to taunt and bring a sigh.
Yet there I am upon the grass, broad grin across my face -
so why is focus lacking as in vain I try to place
the names and date? With nothing on the back that could assist,
frustration grips - I force my brain to doggedly persist.
The elegance of ladies in their best and biggest hat,
a gentleman with scratchy whiskers – who on earth is that?
The recognition’s vague of this occasion long ago –
yet certainly it’s me, a child, at centre stage below.
These people can’t be long forgotten - that I’ll not accept,
for somewhere in my mind such celebrations must be kept...
But wait! Upon my lap is poised my little pampered pet -
superior, assured of love, a sphinx I can’t forget!
That Siamese whose glistening eyes would track my every move -
assured of his position, Star had not one thing to prove.
And instantly they come to me - the animals at first.
I nod as I evoke each one, from best to naughty worst:
The pup that followed - little Fitz, that energetic scamp,
then Prince the noble pedigree who proved to be a champ.
Old Smokey Joe the Russian Blue, aloof and so refined
and slothful Spud who when we went away had always pined.
At last, as if awakened from a long and misty dream,
remembrance lights up every single person, in a stream.
Not lost to me, of course! The generations I recall
as if it had been yesterday - I swiftly name them all:
Great-Grandpa Joe, and Grandma Rose, and horrid Cousin Jim,
and Aunty Phyl with Uncle Reggie (what became of him?)
A few friends too are in the shot I dimly recognise -
I find the magnifying glass and further scrutinise,
then spot the doll I coveted with wheedling sighs and tears -
my seventh birthday treasure, which I’ve kept throughout the years!
And standing right behind me, tender hand upon my hair,
Mum’s blurry face, now clear, and Dad’s - both beaming proudly there.
Warm pleasure floods my senses of that happy, special scene,
and relatives long past and gone appear as on a screen.
I reminisce on each with love and gratitude in spades,
and know I won’t forget – such deep contentment never fades!
I list all twenty-five with ease who link our family chain,
to cherish in my heart and mind, forever to remain.
© Catherine Lee, 2024
Age seems to cloud the memories of decades long gone by
as badly mottled photo seems to taunt and bring a sigh.
Yet there I am upon the grass, broad grin across my face -
so why is focus lacking as in vain I try to place
the names and date? With nothing on the back that could assist,
frustration grips - I force my brain to doggedly persist.
The elegance of ladies in their best and biggest hat,
a gentleman with scratchy whiskers – who on earth is that?
The recognition’s vague of this occasion long ago –
yet certainly it’s me, a child, at centre stage below.
These people can’t be long forgotten - that I’ll not accept,
for somewhere in my mind such celebrations must be kept...
But wait! Upon my lap is poised my little pampered pet -
superior, assured of love, a sphinx I can’t forget!
That Siamese whose glistening eyes would track my every move -
assured of his position, Star had not one thing to prove.
And instantly they come to me - the animals at first.
I nod as I evoke each one, from best to naughty worst:
The pup that followed - little Fitz, that energetic scamp,
then Prince the noble pedigree who proved to be a champ.
Old Smokey Joe the Russian Blue, aloof and so refined
and slothful Spud who when we went away had always pined.
At last, as if awakened from a long and misty dream,
remembrance lights up every single person, in a stream.
Not lost to me, of course! The generations I recall
as if it had been yesterday - I swiftly name them all:
Great-Grandpa Joe, and Grandma Rose, and horrid Cousin Jim,
and Aunty Phyl with Uncle Reggie (what became of him?)
A few friends too are in the shot I dimly recognise -
I find the magnifying glass and further scrutinise,
then spot the doll I coveted with wheedling sighs and tears -
my seventh birthday treasure, which I’ve kept throughout the years!
And standing right behind me, tender hand upon my hair,
Mum’s blurry face, now clear, and Dad’s - both beaming proudly there.
Warm pleasure floods my senses of that happy, special scene,
and relatives long past and gone appear as on a screen.
I reminisce on each with love and gratitude in spades,
and know I won’t forget – such deep contentment never fades!
I list all twenty-five with ease who link our family chain,
to cherish in my heart and mind, forever to remain.
© Catherine Lee, 2024