“I want to make a speech, said Vincent. “Don’t flinch. I make lovely speeches, as you know. Here’s my speech. I am entirely happy. I am a prince. I have just gotten married and I am in love. Life is a banquet. Do you have anything to say to that?”
“Yes, said Misty, dreamily. “I have married a sap.”
—Happy All the Time, Laurie Colwin
I have not married a sap
He makes no lovely speeches
Or any speeches at all
But he throws his head back, laughing
When he and his brother talk on the phone
Full throated and full hearted
And I heard his voice just now
From outside
Loudly singing a phrase or two of a song
(Alison Kraus or Eric Clapton)
His voice loud
Over the whirring lawn mower
His voice joining in the music that he hears through his earbuds
When it comes to a part that he must sing out.
I have not married a sap
He makes no lovely speeches
Or any speeches at all
But yesterday when he drove our grandson to soccer practice
He did not drop him off and leave
Which was all that was required
Instead he waited
He waited for the coach
He waited for the rest of the team
He waited and watched for awhile
Not because he loves soccer
But because he loves our grandson
He waited so that our grandson would know
Grandpa is here with you
Being sure you are settled
He also made me a bottle tree
I can see outside the window as I write
Wrought iron with metal leaves
And hung bird feeders in our yard
And stayed with me in the hospital
And because he noticed
He fixed the front door lock
At my son’s house
And drove a thousand miles with my daughter
So she would get home safely
I have not married a sap
And he makes no lovely speeches
But I would say, dreamily like Misty,
I love hearing the sound of his voice
Over the lawn mower
Singing.
—Dale Midgette Smith, April 2017
Heather
Love this! You married well. (We think HE married VERY well, too)
Dale Midgette Smith
That looks like a triple compliment, Heather. Wow. How kind, and thank you all around!
John Carswell
We need more “Grandpas” like this.
Dale
They are the best, aren’t they? I’m thinking that you are one, too.
MK
Once again, you have brought happy tears to my eyes. So beautiful. xo
Dale
Ah, Mary, you read from your heart what I write from mine. Thank you.
Diane
Oh yea, always knew he was that guy 🙂
Dale
Yup. It’s true.
Julene
This poem took my breath away!
Beautiful!
Dale
Thank you, dear Juju.
Debbie
Dear Dale,
It is 6am getting ready for work and just read your musing. It is absolutely lovely. It has touched my heart and made me cry and I am forever grateful for that.
Love,
Debbie
Dale
Thank you so much, Debbie. Knowing how what I write reaches your heart is precious to me. And love to you again, too.
Ralph Perry
It’s everything that’s a Reminder of a Man i called Dad the Qualities of someone you tend to gravitate to .
Dale Midgette Smith
Thank you so much for your comment, Ralph. I am glad that what I wrote reminded you of your dad. You know he is missed by the person who inspired my poem…and so many others, too.