I have written this poem to honor my Grandmother. She is the reason I am alive today. When I was going through the worst of the abuse her house was a refuge. I would have a couple of days of safety before it would start again. Not only did she save my life physically but she showed me what love was. Not what I was being told love was. Because of her I could see what life could be like, indeed what it should be. That it was possible to care about a person not just use them. I know that she knew I loved her and I sure know she loved me. We said I love you to each other when we parted. The last night she was lucid I leaned over and said I love you to her as she went to sleep. She could not speak anymore but she mouthed the words back to me and I could read it in her eyes. She never came to again. But I know she went knowing of my love. I love you Grandma rest well.

Grandmother

You were only 4’8”

But you were there

Others turned their back

But you never did

How you hated him

And what he did to me

I could not understand

Why you could not save me

But you tried

You took me in

And fought for me

I owe you my life

How cruel is fate

Now I protect you

Give you sips of water

Feed you your meals

As you wait to die

Lying down beside

Your hospital bed

The seconds tick away

Life slowly ebbs

I watch you let go

Now I stand over your grave

Good bye grandmother

And you know

You did save me after all

Sleep well

Joseph Men

May 4, 2002

© 2002, Joseph Men