Friday 28 December 2012

HGD Hugged - Bertie's poem


HGD*
It does not matter to me
That you sank down to rest on the sofa
Which Gail and I so often share.
I know it's hard for you these days
To remember which is your chair.

I'm told you used to be
A chemist, pilot, rugby player, boss.
That you did not really approve of dogs.

Now you struggle with the simplest task
But I have noticed how
When I pass by, your oft unfocussed eyes
Light up, and you reach down
And pat my back, and scratch my ears, and sometimes smile.

I'm told you always were a gentleman.
A gentle man, and as I snuggle close
I feel that gentleness, still.

Gail says you used to love to walk the hills.
That as a child her happiest times
Were when you took the family
On Easter Sunday ten mile tramps
To Monsal Head, Mam Tor and Kinder Scout.

Now climbing up the stairs to bed, for you
Is tougher than the steepest Northern peak.
Oh HGD if only I could speak

I'd tell you how clearly I can see
That you have formed the Gail I know and love
How the apple falls not far from the tree.


*HGD - Human Grandad, as you know. 

28 comments:

  1. Oh Bertie,
    That was a wonderful poem in honor of HGD. It is a comfort to know how much pleasure you give him.

    Kisses,
    Dexter

    P.S. Don't feel bad about WFT's being overlooked in MM. Those judges were complete loons.

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  2. You can now become a poet as well as a scientist Bertie!
    You look very comfy there with HGD!
    Hope you're having a great time and had a great Christmas!
    From
    Pippa

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  3. Ohhhhhh Bertie that is most beeyooteus, it has da Momster all snifflesome

    Lovs
    Da K Krew
    xxxxxxxx

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  4. What a pretty poem. HGD is very well loved!

    Sam

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  5. That moved us to tears Bertie. HGD is so lucky to have you and Gail around. We too know the difficulities of ageing loved ones.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  6. Oh my Bertie we had a tear in our eyes. What a lovely poem. How smart of you. Have a fabulous Friday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  7. What a sweet poem, mom was very touched by this. See she was very close to her Dad, not so much to her mom, and he passed away last year at the too young age of 64 It was mom's dad, our HGD, who gave mom the idea to get pugs

    urban hounds

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  8. It is a great gift of life when it's your turn to take great care of someone. You and HGD are now having a wonderful time together, you are a happy sight for HGD, you tkae good care of him!

    Your Pals
    The Scottie Twinkies

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  9. Sniff Sniffle Sniff

    Oh Bertie my furend your poem to HGD is just magnificent.

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  10. What a lovely poem, Bertie. I know that HGD is very comforted by you.

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  11. Oh Bertie, this is beautiful. I do understand as my grandpa is facing similar challenges. I know you and Gail are bringing much comfort to your HGD!

    Your pal, Pip

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  12. Bertie you are such a wise and special young man and how you have won the heart of HGD. I just love this picture....Mom says we can learn so much from our HGD and HGM. As you have discovered it is HGD who taught Gail to love the hills and walks which have made your life full and fun.
    Hugs Madi your BFFF

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  13. Wonderful picture, Bertie! Your poem made mom's eyes leak. You're a good boy...

    -Bart and Ruby

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  14. Hello Bertie
    We think of you a lot andwanted to stop by to wish a Merry
    Xmas.

    What a beautiful poem. We can see how you love and treasure HGD who has given Gail so many precious memories.

    Take care xx
    We are sorry our blog is not public just now but we were having some strange visitors!

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  15. Bertie,

    Our Mom is leaking...

    XOXO
    Lilly, Piper, Celti and Ivy

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  16. Bertie, your poem is perfect. We love the photo little mate. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  17. mom is slobbering over here. Beautiful poem
    Snorts,
    Benny & Lily

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  18. Oh, Bertie. My HGD is visiting too and your beautiful poem really touched us. Keep up the good job of loving on him!

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  19. Bewtie
    Yoow poem bwought teaws to ouw eyes. Mommi got quite leaky. Us doggies can see beyond the things time does to hoomans and feel theiw twoo wowf and wondewfulness. And i know that yoow Gwandddad feels yoow twoo love too
    Shawe those pweshuss moments
    Smoochie kisses
    Asta

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  20. We are all leaky, Bertie. That was a most special poem.

    Wyatt's family

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  21. Happy New Year we hope you have a brilliant 2013

    Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

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  22. Happy New Year Bertie ~ It is hard sometimes watching time pass. Lee's peeps are both gone but she remembers taking care of them.
    Sweet William The Scot

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  23. Thanks for sharing your Christmas photos and your loving poem with us, Bertie. You speak most eloquently for all of us lucky enough to still have our HGD's. Hope your floods recede and you make it home safely after the New Year. Happy New Year!

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  24. Bertie,

    What a sweet poem. Yes, we doggers can bring smiles to those who may have lost a bit of the smiling habit.

    Srry we've been absent a bit -- but we checked out all your recent posts so we know what's going on. Must say, though, we think Gail is redeemable if she goes to a good handling class and that would be a better solution for both of you!

    Wirey love and Happy New Year wishes!!!

    Jake and Just Harry

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  25. Well done Bertie, very well done. A Happy New Year to you and family.

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  26. Wow Gail...
    this is beautiful!

    It somehow reminds me a little of 'The Notebook' - love understood, but bittersweet.

    May the love of your friends allow to embrace 2013 with confidence and caring. I know its not an easy road ahead for you and your parents.

    sending lotsaluv to you and Bertie and...

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!
    C

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  27. Ah, we love this. It's a beautiful tribute.

    And Dachshund Daddy loves the Ackerman quote. So do we. Mom wants to know which Ackerman she should read as she's always wanted to read her.

    Happy New Year!
    Love,
    Tootsie & Renee

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