How did it happen?

by Cheryl Merrick

When did I become overstressed?
How did it happen?
Was it in all the hours I held
     my colicly newborn grandson?
Was it when I moved our things 
     out into the garage,
     so we could paint our home?
Did it happen during all those summer 
     months living in our garage?

Dreaming

by. Cheryl Merrick

Envisioning myself sitting on
a cabin porch enjoying the sun,
I wistfully sigh,
longing for moments to reflect and write.

Now a grandmother, realizing that
the busy days of child raising are over, 
I contentedly smile,
knowing that my time for dreams has come.

Granddaughter at 6 Months

by Cheryl Merrick

Smiles of recognition

Thoughtful glances

Shared giggles

Proudly sitting up by herself

Rolling over is mastered

Holding on tightly, she stands

Her few steps hinting of future independence

Fascinated by life

She explores her world

Carefully considering sounds and tastes

Watching children play

Grabbing and shaking all within her reach

Chewing and sampling all that will go into her mouth

Till finally, snuggling into the arms of those who love her,

Her excitement gives way

To exhausted sleep

Who?

by Cheryl Merrick

Who is that woman?
She looks vaguely familiar,
     but I don’t remember her
     having two chins.
She has a pleasant roundness
     and an ample lap.
She struggles to touch her toes,
     moves slowly enough
     to walk with a small child,
Looks kind,
     and has plenty of time to listen.
At last I recognize her,
     She is “Grandma”,
      this woman who
      looks at me
      from the mirror.

Walk in Faith

by Cheryl Merrick

Nurturing your children’s children,
you once again enjoy sloppy kisses
and young one’s confidences.

Knowing how precious and fleeting
these childhood moments are,
You slow down to match a toddlers pace,
experiencing again the wonder of
bird songs, dandelions, and ant hills.

Having a more eternal perspective,
you no longer anxiously judge your worth
by the behavior of your children.

You have finally learned to enjoy and rejoice in the process of perfection.
Now content, you take your grandchild’s hand
as, together, you walk home in faith.


9/13/2013

On Becoming a Star

by Cheryl Merrick

When my children were young,
they played in the protective warmth
of my morning sun.

Later, in my clear afternoon light,
I taught them endless lessons
on room cleaning and report writing.

Learning well,
they ventured from me.
The evening of adolescence had come.

Now, in a night sky I glow,
a distant beacon of light,
a constant of love,
a star,
guiding the way home.

Matriarchs

by Cheryl Merrick

In a quiet moment,
     between barked orders,
a woman tearfully admits
    her children say
    she is too bossy,
and no longer
     want to see her.

Sobbing in depression,
     another woman tells
     of her children’s
    “Lack of Respect”.
She is older and
     knows more than they do.
They SHOULD listen
      and do what she says.
Instead, they push her away.

Longing

by Cheryl Merrick

When I had babies,
though I longed for sleep,
I found joy in gooey hugs.

When I had toddlers,
I longed for rest,
but rejoiced in first steps.

When I had school age children,
though I longed for more time,
their excitement became mine.

Grandmother

by Cheryl Merrick

Look again, yes this body is getting a bit worn.
The years of little sleep, worry,
and laughter can plainly be seen,
but all the stretching and pounding
have only softened both body and heart,
and time has given perspective.
Finally, the frantic rushing is over.
Fatigue pushes the last of the old worries out,
leaving room for peace to fill the soul.
At last we see who we really are,
not as a sadly aging 20 year old,
but as a woman prepared
by long years of toil and love
to be worthy of being called,
“Grandmother.”

An Afternoon with Diana

by Cheryl Merrick

Seeing your eyes bright

and following movement,

You responding to sounds, and

Your relaxed stretching out

instead of clenching into a small ball,

I know you are getting stronger

and will be all right.

Inside I feel my grandmother’s heart healing

as I hold you lovingly in my arms,

cherishing these special moments

we have together.