One day Nonny showed Timmy
A picture on the wall.
She said next to his Daddy
Was a man she called Popaw.*

“There used to be a Popaw
Who played with your sister Sue.
But since your Popaw died,
There’s just me and you.”

A tear rolled down Nonny’s cheek
As she held Timmy up to see
The Popaw with a frozen smile
In a photo which couldn’t speak.

Thus Nonny would speak for him
So Popaw could live in Timmy’s heart,
“Your Popaw would have loved you.
And would have told you, you are smart!”

“You would have taken horsey rides
Upon your Popaw’s back . . .
And he would have tossed you in the air
While Nonny yelled don’t do that!”

Then Nonny laughed as she spoke of him,
“He was funny! Smart! And tall!”
And Timmy smiled as she told him about
This man she called Popaw.

“Tell me more about Popaw!”
“Well, he was a fix-it guy.
He taught your Dad how to figure things out
And not be afraid to try . . .”

“To fix the car or stop a leak,
To make the washer run . . .”
“You mean Popaw could do all that?
And I’m Popaw’s grandson?”

“Yes, Timmy,” replied Nonny,
“And I’m sure you’ll have a part
Of Popaw always with you
For I’ve placed him in your heart.”

*[pronounce: ‘PAH’ then ‘pau’ as in ‘pause’]

Finding Joy in Remembrance
Holding Popaw in My Heart: A Poem of Reflection
Connie Carlisle Polley, 2023
ConnieCarlislePolley.com
NonnyDay.com

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Great holiday gifts from Nonny!