ME • Poems - Captured Feelings When someone Dies

Today I read on a friend's Facebook page a poem her daughter wrote. Apparently a family member passed away and writing was a way to express her grief and love. It was moving. 

I thought of a similar time when my grandmother passed away. I wrote a poem too. I think of her often and since today is her birthday I thought I'd share it. (I know I just shared a poem. It's not that I had "share poems" on my blog calendar, nor do I feel like a gifted poem writer, but it's just what seems to have come up.) 

After she was gone I remember sorting my key ring and finding her house key. It was no longer needed but I didn't want to get rid of it. Her key was a symbol for me of all her home was. It was a refuge for whoever visited. And anyone was welcome. There were so many people in and out of her house over the years. It was no surprise to come over and find strangers, people we didn't know yet, at her home. So many left feeling like family even if they stayed a short time. I've always tried to my home like that.

GRAM'S KEY
No matter what you call her name, 
by Anna, mom or "G", 
She always made her house a home 
to guest and family.
She'd clean and stock your favorite treats 
and wait the whole night through,
Then greetings of a hug and words, 
"I've waited just for you!"
Within those walls she'd make you feel 
that all the world was right,
But, then you'd have to leave her place, 
she'd hold you, oh, so tight.
She'd look after each one of us 
whether traveling east or west.
She'd send a gift and then we'd tease, 
"I knew she loved you best!"
She'd give you all she had to give 
to grant a needed lift
But, most of all she gave her love, 
that was her special gift.
Think of your time with her at home, 
bring back the memory
Of how she tied her heart to yours 
when you see her key

Anna Marie Jones was one of a kind. That's why I wrote that poem. I guess that's why Stephanie's daughter wrote her poem. When someone so remarkable leaves us for a time we want to capture our feelings for that person. When I wrote the poem it was just for me and when I read it, it brings 'us' back together again. Happy Birthday Gram.

Have you ever done that? Express in poetry your feelings of someone's passing?