Rusty hinges squeaked as I opened the old gate
She heard and looked out the dusty window pane
How many times had she looked and it was only the wind?
I saw her rise from her old rocking chair to meet me at the door
Talking to herself, as if to assure herself she wasn't dreaming
How many times had she dreamed of me coming?
As she opened the door, she said "Lord can it be"
I said "yes, granny, it is finally me!"
How many times had she longed to hear those words?
Her frail old body shook as tears ran down her face
"Oh, if only I had know I would have made your favorite cookies!"
How many cookies had been thrown to the birds because I never came?
As I hugged my dear old granny, I wondered how I could be so blind
My ever busy life, of such important things, had let the years slip by
How many times did she wonder why I never even answered her letters?
She wanted to hear all about me as she held my hand so tight
Showed me my baby pictures and told me of her love
How many times had she touched those old pictures, wishing it were me?
As I listened to her stories, I realized I had cheated myself out of a treasure
Wasted years of golden memories could not be brought back with tears
How many lonely moments did she have that could have been lovely stories?
Time waits for no one and now she is so old
My "million" perfect reasons now bring me perfect shame
How many times, Oh granny, did your heart ache, do I really want to know?
She touched my cheek and said "honey, I know you had your life to live"
Then she handed me a locket and said "that's me and grandpaw, it's yours."
How many times will I wish I could turn back time or hate myself for my selfish heart?
Granny leans back and sighs and she looks so pale and I know it's not enough time
Did the time that passed so quickly for me gran pass ever so slow for you?
Not enough time because time waits for no one, not even you!
She looked up and said"Honey, I'm glad you came before it was at my grave"
OH GOD, I am too! Granny I am so sorry! And she just touched my cheek and smiled.
How many prayers did you pray dear granny? How many prayers?

Oh Dear God, forgive us...this poem has me weeping....
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this has the ring of truth to it which makes it's already powerful impact more so!--author i hope this makes even one person call or go see a loved one they have neglected--& i had to fight tears too--window watcher
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i've read this a couple of times today and i still don't quite know how to comment; you've captured love, regret, joy and pain in one heart feeling all at once this incredible loss... justme
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Love the way you alternate your questioning thoughts in with the scene as it proceeds. Great imagery. This is so moving and provoking. Thumbs up! dk
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there is a wonderful lesson in this for all...so beautifully put to words..m.e.
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the gift of friendship and companionship are the easiest to give and the best to get. very touching poem...ms
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Beautiful, poignant poem. A clear reminder for me to let my loved ones know I cherish them. R.J.G.
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Wow!! This IS a tearjerker, in a good sense. And written so cleverly. Beautiful. The level of poems on this page, seems to me, is getting higher and higher..a privlege to read. thanks author. Dell
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Reminds me of my grandparents, we lived in the same town, so I saw them often but they would have had the same loving attitude, if they only saw us occasionally. I like this picture you have painted. It can make us think about our grandparents, and remember that one day, we will be them! JFC
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=) Beautiful. ~DeAtH
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Love = Time but also transcends it.