Mike Banks wrote an AMAZING, heart-felt poem in response to our "Honoring Martha" request. For full details of that request, click here.
Grandma O. As I look back lets take this ride
With you holding my hand standing by my side
Every step that I took you matched stride for stride
Every crying lonely night I had you to confide
Through the ups and downs its all turned around
You're the only one I knew to keep me on the ground
The everlasting sound of you flying away
Not the first but I knew it would be the last today
The last hug and kiss as we cried away
The tears fall so fast didn't know what to say
A selfish little voice said you had to stay
But today I realized it couldn't be that way
I promise you this I'll carry it on
The family traditions you instilled in mom
In a time of violence you stayed so calm
Never cursed a word or saw the back of your palm
Now that you're gone don't know what to do
Reminisce through the pictures but I still miss you
I Promise you this you'll never be alone
Cause you created our life and gave us a home
Built the foundation with just two hands
Obstacles in your way but you stuck to your plan
Never complained just remained so strong
No matter what we did we could do no wrong
Stayed up late as our parents went out
Tried to calm us down as we'd yell and shout
Took us to church and lead us in prayer
Look, your eyes said “I'll always be there”
But life's not fair that's what we realized
The years we lost now we're saying goodbye
I'm trying to be a man trying to cover up
Cause I was told a real man shouldn't cry this much
It's been a little to rough for my heart to take
But I know we'll meet again at heavens gate
I will look to the stars and see your face
Memories that we share just can't be erased
Thank you for the moments that we did share
For showing the true meaning of the words love and care
For always being there I appreciate
The meals you'd cook to fill our plates
Now the person I am is all because
This lady named Martha showed me love
Her name alone tells you what I mean
Grandma means mother if we're translating
The most beautiful women you'll ever see
Miles apart still you're alive in me
Change is constant but you're constantly
In my heart so lovingly
With you holding my hand standing by my side
Every step that I took you matched stride for stride
Every crying lonely night I had you to confide
Through the ups and downs its all turned around
You're the only one I knew to keep me on the ground
The everlasting sound of you flying away
Not the first but I knew it would be the last today
The last hug and kiss as we cried away
The tears fall so fast didn't know what to say
A selfish little voice said you had to stay
But today I realized it couldn't be that way
I promise you this I'll carry it on
The family traditions you instilled in mom
In a time of violence you stayed so calm
Never cursed a word or saw the back of your palm
Now that you're gone don't know what to do
Reminisce through the pictures but I still miss you
I Promise you this you'll never be alone
Cause you created our life and gave us a home
Built the foundation with just two hands
Obstacles in your way but you stuck to your plan
Never complained just remained so strong
No matter what we did we could do no wrong
Stayed up late as our parents went out
Tried to calm us down as we'd yell and shout
Took us to church and lead us in prayer
Look, your eyes said “I'll always be there”
But life's not fair that's what we realized
The years we lost now we're saying goodbye
I'm trying to be a man trying to cover up
Cause I was told a real man shouldn't cry this much
It's been a little to rough for my heart to take
But I know we'll meet again at heavens gate
I will look to the stars and see your face
Memories that we share just can't be erased
Thank you for the moments that we did share
For showing the true meaning of the words love and care
For always being there I appreciate
The meals you'd cook to fill our plates
Now the person I am is all because
This lady named Martha showed me love
Her name alone tells you what I mean
Grandma means mother if we're translating
The most beautiful women you'll ever see
Miles apart still you're alive in me
Change is constant but you're constantly
In my heart so lovingly
Mike, thanks so much for taking the time to write this poem. It made me cry! It's absolutely beautiful and it MOST DEFINITELY honors Grandma.
Love,
~Stacie
4 comments:
wow Mike! That was beautiful. She surely was all those things. The ever present rock in our churning seas. Great job. I love you!
Wow! What a beautiful poem.
Mike, you have so much to offer this world...you WRITE beautifully! Yes, gram was all of those things and more, I know she's always been my "safe place"
Michael, you made me cry when you read it to me on the phone and I still get teary-eyed reading. You amaze me, my youngest son! You have such a heart, just like Grandma, you quietly walk in with love and support for anyone who needs it. God truly blessed your father and me with all 3 of you. Thanks for sharing your gift.
I love you, Mom
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