Benny

He stands as a statue
still, frozen
in some memory
shrouded, calling
to days only he
remembers.

The Oak offers shade
cool, safe
from the fleeting present
waiting, daring
to take memory's
warm ember.

Grandchildren laugh aloud
hiding, seeking
below him in a field
plowed, planted
with past moments
life rendered.


I remember as a small boy standing under that tree with my Grandfather many times. I was young, but even then I understood something special was taking place for him. His steel blue eyes would freeze as he stared at things I could not see. As he lost himself to his memories of 50 years past, I felt safe standing there beside him. Now, I catch myself doing the very same thing once in a while...I am glad I respected his time returning to a past that must have been every bit as precious as my own is to me today.

Altree94

TY for posting this one, Benny! It is really beautiful and a fine tribute to your grandfather as well. I think a lot of people are going to be able to relate to this one; I certainly do!

Benny

Thank you, Tree! He was my father figure while growing up, as we lived with him while my father worked out his 20+ years as a navy deep sea diver. When my father retired from the Navy in 62, I had to get to know him, as he was a stranger to us, except for his visits home, 2 times a year for his 2 week vacations...I quickly grew to love this mountain man...I doubt anyone will ever measure up to the shadow he and my grandfather cast in my life.

PaintedDiary

Dear Benny,

What a beautiful tribute to the mountain men in your life. Yes, I can relate deeply. If only I could paint the pictures, those steel blue eyes starred at, that you could not see. Priceless. Benny, I am going to PM you about how this is inspiration for something.

{{~~**Kim**~~}}