My sister sent me some poetry she discovered that our grandmother wrote. I had had no idea that she was a poet. As it turns out, she had been published several times. I wish I had been interested when she was alive.

Anyway, one of the poems really spoke to me and I thought it would be especially appropriate for the Mudcat, so I want to share it with you.

Old Songs
Old songs bring back memories,
Memories long dead,
Memories that clutch the heart
Like a weight of lead.

Memories that bring back youth,
Sounds of dancing feet,
Voices that have long been stilled,
Voices sad and sweet.

Old songs take me back again
Far across the years,
While my heart is singing
My eyes are filled with tears.

In my heart is mingled
Joy and bitter pain,
As I sit and listen
To an old refrain.

I think she really understood what makes us tick.

jeffp