Tuesday, September 26, 2023

C is for CHILDHOOD #Poetry Month and #AtoZChallenge

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth
 
Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:
1. To celebrate my appreciation of life
2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi
3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.
 
The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge
 
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C is for Childhood and Camilla

 
Childhood
A Magical Adventure
 
Gramma Anna shuffles the deck
for another round of five-card Rummy.
I am four years old.
The crystal candy dish visible
in the glass-front dining room hutch
holds round white mints with xxx on top.
My mouth waters at the thought of
those sugary xxx marks on my tongue,
melting. 

Deep purple plums, tangy
in their under-ripe bitterness.
At age six, a secret treasure mined
From Gramma Julia’s garden.
Kitchen fragrance,
dough rising beneath a clean
flour-sack towel.
Fillings of poppyseed, raspberry, and prune
crowned with sweet whipped cream.

Childhood
in retrospect
outshines the brightest star.
 
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Visits with my grandmothers, Anna on my mother’s side, Julia on my dad’s side, are recalled in the context of food. Both baked excellent pies, cakes, breads, and biscuits. Their candy dishes were always full.

Why do you suppose this poem might offer either a feeling of contentment or wash over someone like a wave of sorrow?

12 comments:

  1. Visiting grandma's house was always a highlight for me and my siblings!

    Absolutely Amazing Alliteration

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    1. Such fun to relive pleasant memories. Thanks for visiting, Duncan. I look forward to following your Absolutely Amazing Alliterations for April!

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  2. Hi Gail - wonderful telling of those special kitchen aromas ... I only remember my mother's ... I didn't really know either of my grandparents ... but home: oh yes ... wonderful produce and games to entertain me and my brothers ... cheers Hilary

    http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/c-is-for-cattle-and-cow-cooper.html

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    1. Fragrances of foods baking in the oven create some of the most lasting memories, Hilary. How wonderful to have such memories of enjoyable times (and probably squabbles!) with your siblings.

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  3. Aloha Gail! I'm glad to see you doing this challenge. This poem was beautiful. I felt like I was having a tasty treat too. C is for Character

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Tamara, and offering such kind words. I look forward to reading your post on C is for Character.

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  4. Grandma's house and cousins...my best childhood memories.

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    1. Ah, yes, always the cousins. You've given me even more pleasant memories to dwell on today, Sheethal.

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  5. I remember those X mints... Wisons X mints, right?
    I see them around in some of the stores.
    Lovely poetry...
    Writer In Transit

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    1. My grandfather kept this crystal candy dish filled with those mints, mostly the white ones. Not sure when the pink ones emerged. I haven't been able to find them for years, Michelle, but I keep looking!

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  6. This made me feel so nostalgic for those childhood days spent baking with my grandmother (and her teaching me various card games too!)
    Debbie

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    1. Hope she let you win once in a while, like my grandmother did!

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