…I love this! What so many of us have been thinking, no doubt, in these baffling times. The older people in my life, truly inspire me on a daily basis. So much good can come out of this! Plus, the song is just awesome. Thanks, Ivor!
(‘Grandma’s Hands’ Lyrics (Bill Withers):
Grandma’s hands
Clapped in church on Sunday morning
Grandma’s hands
Played a tambourine so well
Grandma’s hands
Used to issue out a warningShe’d say, “Billy don’t you run so fast
Might fall on a piece of glass
Might be snakes there in that grass”
Grandma’s handsGrandma’s hands
Soothed a local unwed mother
Grandma’s hands
Used to ache sometimes and swell
Grandma’s hands
Used to lift her face and tell herShe’d say, “Baby, grandma understands
That you really love that man
Put yourself in Jesus’ hands”
Grandma’s handsGrandma’s hands
Used to hand me piece of candy
Grandma’s hands
Picked me up each time I fell
Grandma’s hands
Boy, they really came in handyShe’d say, “Matty don’t you whip that boy
What you want to spank him for?
He didn’t drop no apple core”
But I don’t have grandma anymoreIf I get to Heaven I’ll look for
Grandma’s hands).
I wonder what mum and grandma are thinking
Mum was born after the First World War
A child of the roaring twenties
Then she became a poor teenager, of the great depression
And a young nurse, during the horror’s of a second World War
A time when everyone’s supplies were rationed
Everyone helped each other, when things run out
Everyone knew a son, that been killed in the war
Everyone gave you a soft shoulder to lean on
Everyone shared each others pain
Our parents and grandparents survived
And taught us compassion, and the value of every single life
Ivor Steven (c) March 2020
say no to clowns 
Oh dear Vanessa, I’m honoured to have my poem reblogged on your fabulous site…. and hopefully more of us can refocus our energies into helping and caring within our communities, by drawing from the memories and the spirits of our heritage
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It’s my privilege to share your work and important thoughts Ivor! We clearly can’t depend on authorities making all of the right decisions in such uncertain times, we absolutely need to be looking out for each other.
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So true Vanessa, just like it was for our parents during those incredibly tough times…..xx
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Ivor is such a brilliant poet and whose love and compassion for humanity with every word he writes
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Agreed! He’s such a wonderful presence around here!
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Ivor is great.
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Hi River.
Yes! He is!
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