To Brittany

When you write a poem for one granddaughter, you can't ignore the other. This poem is for the younger of my two granddaughters.

Brittany
By Larry R. Linville

Before you could express yourself you seemed to say
“stay away old man!”
In envy, I watched as other held you
When you were forced into my hands
You let them know that was not a part of your plans
I tried to never let it show
How I ached to hold you close
Then one day out of the proverbial blue
This old man seemed to matter to you
We laughed together just like I had dreamed

Your laughter is different than what I expected
Never a loud roar
Always that special way
A slightly tilted mouth
And a twinkle in your eye

It was always at its highest moment
As you watched closely when we ate
The eyes sharply looking for the food on my plate
Anticipation and expectation on your face
Knowing that before long
A spot would appear on my shirt
At that moment
Your inward roar erupted
And you once again pointed

The baby who would not give me the time of day
Had her own very special way to play

Now you are getting tall
Your talents are emerging
You are like a springtime flower
That has moved from bud to flower
I don’t yet know what kind of flower you will be
But your special smile
Will color every petal

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.