Henryk


from the ABC set Do Poppies Grow at Auschwitz?

Every Wednesday after school
Henryk visits his grandpa
at his house in Park Road.
Always on his best behaviour,
keeping in mind his mother's
'Things not to ask Grandpa list',
he should never ask what happened
to Grandma, or Great Uncle Henryk
after whom he is named.
And he should never bring up
the incident with the
German exchange student.
Henryk listens to his grandpa
grumble endlessly about his earring,
then proudly says,
"I'm thinking of getting a tattoo."
"A tattoo! At thirteen?" Grandpa cries.
"Well, you're a bit of a hyprocite, aren't you?"
Henryk muses, pointing to Grandpa's arm.
"How old were you when you got yours?"

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum


Comments

Silver Spun Sand | October 27, 2008 - 16:58

Magic - you are building a magnificent collection of this poetry. Another truly moving piece written which such maturity and empathy which belies your years.

With your words you create an inherent tenderness which demonstrates admirably the closeness of grandson and grandfather.

Well done, again.

Ooooooppss! Just popped back to say I hope you enjoy your cherry which only just appeared as if out of thin air. Somehow I don't think one will ever have tasted as sweet;-)

Tina x

MistakenMagic | October 27, 2008 - 19:21

The sweetest I've had so far :) Thank you for all youe help Tina - and listening to all my moaning!

Magic x

Nathan Bednarek | October 30, 2008 - 00:41

This poem affected me so much. Not too long ago my Grandpa died. I had a really close relationship with him and this poem reminds me of the times I've spent with him and for that I thank you Magic. You have a way with people's hearts ;-)

Nathan.

MistakenMagic | October 30, 2008 - 09:26

Thank you for your feed back Nathan! I'm so sorry to hear about your granpa :( I lost my granpa a few years ago, so I understand the pain. But at least we can treasure the moments spent with them and remember ;)

Magic xx

Bradene | October 30, 2008 - 19:21

An enormously effective piece that strkes at the very marrow of the reader. Very accomplished writing. Val x

MistakenMagic | October 30, 2008 - 19:41

Thank you so much for your feed back Bradene :) I really appreciate it!

littleditty | October 31, 2008 - 14:14

Magic -another very good write, again you have the distance working for you, through the intimacy of their relationship you get to the heart of the matter, and so to the readers - the tattoo is a very interesting image in such poems for obvious and not so obvious reasons - may be you knew tattoos are not a Jewish thing at all - by religious law they are not, so the tatooing was particularly abhorent during those times, for them, and afterwards too - (try my story, Tattoo :) xx