"Words of my Heart" by Irene Kennedy

I recently ordered this book of poetry and am so glad I did. The author, Irene Kennedy, is the ninety-something year old grandmother of one of my graphic designer friends. Clint worked with his grandmother, gathered her wonderful poetry which she's been writing as a hobby since the 1940's, and designed a book that's available for purchase on lulu.com (link below.) What a talented wordsmith she is. Here are a few examples:

(below are copyright Irene Kennedy)


Step by Irene Kennedy

Part way up the stair
On that step
That is neither here nor there
She squats.
Topaz-colored head
Presses against the spindles
That the small hands grasp.

I do not say a word
But smile into those
Blue-green eyes staring down.

There's something about that step
Part way up the stair
That's neither here nor there.
Her thought brings forth a sigh from that sturdy little chest,
"Mother, do cows cry?"

-------

I Sit Beside You by Irene Kennedy

I sit beside you,
Your hand in mine,
And watch you breathing
Shallow and slow.
I felt your tired spirit
Tugging to let go.
For one precious moment
I held your life to mine;
And your great love
Burst around me,
For all time.

When we at the altar
Said our "I Do's"
You were very much aware.
When our babies were born,
You were there.
When they went out on their own,
You were there.
When they returned,
Their ventures to tell,
You were there.

You rejoiced with me
In all our happiness,
And comforted me in sorrow.
When at times, my anger did unfurl,
You were there,
Saying in your quiet voice, "Down Girl."
You laughed at all my schemes and quirks.
But at the same time
Helped me to make them work.

Now as your hand slides
Slowly out of mine,
I see you through a fallen tear.
Your spirit says to mine,
"I am always here."

-------

Lydia "Rangar's Wife" by Irene Kennedy

Oh, Lydia's tall and handsome
Of lovely eye and hair
But she can wield the woodman's axe
And shoot the eye of a bear.

Oh, Lydia's cakes are fluffy
Her sewing even and fine
But she can portage her own canoe
And cast a good trout line.

Oh, Lydia's like a forest tree
Sturdy and straight and strong
But she can dance like a gypsy
And sing a glorious song.

-------

I greatly admire people with the talent to use words so eloquently to paint the picture of an emotion, person, experience or place. There are over a hundred other poems in the book. The website, lulu.com, is a self publishing service and you'd be buying direct from the author. Here's a link: http://stores.lulu.com/irenekennedy