Nanna ~ 25.4.1930 - 28.4.2011

**Like a Fox** · 05-10-2011, 02:38 AM

Author's Note: I read this at my Nanna's funeral yesterday.

Two weeks ago, almost exactly, I did something that Nanna would never have done.
In a rush to get to the roast lunch for her 81st birthday, and unprepared as always, I stopped in at a shop on the way to buy her a birthday card.
Lacking inspiration, I opted to write a simple “Have a Happy Birthday” message in place of the poem I had been thinking about.

I figured I would rectify this on her 82nd birthday.
Now that I won’t get that chance, I’d like to make it up to her.

You are fluffy white hair and glasses,
You’re shorter than most, by a lot,
You were first called a ‘Nanna’ by Nicholas,
Followed pretty soon after by Scott.

Then came Carmen, Kathleen, Michael, Adam
And Edward and Isabel too,
We share fond childhood memories of you, Nan,
Now I’d like to share them with you.

Whenever our parents were busy,
You eagerly offered your time,
To babysit umpteen grandkids,
And try to keep them in line.

Your video collection was meagre;
I believe there were really just three.
The Never Ending story or Transformers,
Or the one about Bugs Bunny.

At the Cool Store you’d get us free apples,
And because you never missed a thing,
You’d bring a peeler in your handbag,
And peel the skin into one long spring.

At the playground we’d swing on the swingset,
To the ducks we would take some old bread,
Then back to your place to read the monster book,
That we’d definitely already read.

Time went on, we got older and taller,
And we had to bend down just to kiss you,
In the week and a bit since you’ve left us,
I’m seeing just how much we’ll miss you.

We’ll miss your bright red santa sack,
When the next Christmas day rolls around,
And your Happy Birthday Song phone call,
I know that I’ll miss that sound.

Your tact was at times non-existent,
You always said just what you thought,
But the best thing to remember about that,
Is the honesty that we were taught.

At formal affairs you were radiant,
You always took time to look good,
And though you arrived looking spotless,
You sometimes left wearing your food.

I’ve been to your house since you left us,
I’ve seen how you organised your things,
Meticulous, neat and always prepared,
It’s a shame that didn’t come in the genes.

I just wanted to say Happy Birthday,
Now I say go in peace and take care,
We know we won’t see you for some time,
But we know that you’ll always be there.

**Dreamworx95** · 05-10-2011, 03:01 AM

Beautiful, Fox. You depict a lot about your nanna in this poem while keeping it simple. I like the humorous bits, especially, "You sometimes left wearing your food." You keep the tone light and optimistic in a sad situation, and you end on a positive note.

I know you've been struggling. I'm glad you've found a way to return to the world of writing for a little while.