Thursday, April 21, 2016

A DECIMA FOR GRANDFATHER





My grandfather was so proud of the music of his times.  I was unreceptive to listen, let alone dance to something so foreign, unlike the music of my own modern times.  But he persisted.  He taught me about the decima, how to dance "el vals", a Spanish version of the waltz.  I'm not sure that he finished 3rd grade, but he bought the "El Diario" newspaper daily, and taught me how to read Spanish.  He was thrilled that I got the education he never received. I learned so much from him.  I hope he knew I was grateful. 


A DECIMA FOR GRANDFATHER

I could never understand why
Your music was so important.
I'm sorry for my comportment
That now makes me want to cry
Because I do understand why
You wanted me to remember
Days before your last September
The poetry of your life's rhyme
Sung in the prime of your springtime.
Now I promise to remember.

(For Dverse Poets.)

12 comments:

  1. This is so touching a tribute to your grandfather. Thank you for sharing it and the inspiration.

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  2. I felt like crying myself after reading this. Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man who cared deeply for you. You're so fortunate for that and what a surprise to hear that he taught you the decima! Thanks for sharing this, Myrna.

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  3. This is very sad, Myrna!! So often we realize something is important after it is too late to let that person know. But good for you for remembering now!

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  4. Oh Myrna, this is such a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. Touched me to the core. Big hugs!

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  5. Oh, Myrna. This is just beautiful. Especially:
    "The poetry of your life's rhyme
    Sung in the prime of your springtime."

    Your grandfather would be so proud.

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  6. Hindsight is 20/20; lovely rocking of the prompt form; heartfelt.

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  7. This is beautiful..the rhythm carries your own music and the tribute is as elegant as a waltz, and the music plays on.

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  8. This is so wonderful ... The way you bring life to your grandfather's love for you. Thank you for showing us the heart of the form.

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  9. This is a lovely tribute to your grandfather...and a reminder to treasure what we have...not only after we've lost it.

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  10. Myrna, this brings tears to eyes...a lovely, heartfelt memory of a special person in your life. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. I, too, have such regrets, though not so much for refusing what my elders tried to teach me as for the interest I didn't show.

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  12. Lovely, what a perfect subject for your decima.

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