The Dearest Distance
~ For my Great-Grandson Jared and my Grandchildren, Nick, Justin, Jorden, Lily, and Travis ~
There's a sweet wee lad who's growing
Much too fast for me to know
With shining eyes, awake and glowing
And his future, bright, in tow
Much too far from here for hugging
Only photos, can I clutch
But my heartstrings he keeps tugging
For I love him very much
Distance keeps him and my grandkids
From the warm of my embrace
Thus I arrange their pics around me
And I memorize each face
Still, that photo can't respond or place
A kiss to bless my cheek
So this furrowed face is graced instead
By a tear that's apt to streak
Each small child does not understand
Just why you can't be there
All they know is that they do NOT know
The love you long to share
So you pray that heaven keeps them safe
From all life's hurts and harms
'Til your face knows only happy streaks
And you hold them in your arms.
~ Honorable Mention ~ in the "Strand Completely New 21, Any Form, Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.
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