Rocket Science it was Not

By Silver Spun Sand

Fri, 24 Feb 2012

1518 reads

12 comments

Easter Sunday lunch; shoulders hunched,
gaze locking gaze – grandson, the proverbial
‘chip off the old block’, quizzes grandpa.

“What exactly are ‘neutrons’? Oh, yes...
and do you believe there’s anything faster
than the speed of light?

And you know that Hadron Collider thingy –
exactly how does it work?” he asks, scraping
every last remnant of cream from his bowl,
as hungry for knowledge as his mum’s apple-pie.

“Well, it’s like this..." his granddad replies,
beaming from ear to ear...A sight I hadn’t seen
for years, not since Parkinson’s took hold.

“And Grandpa, if you’re that smart, what’s
the ultimate answer to the ultimate question?
Douglas Adams says it’s ‘number forty-two’.
Do you agree, or what?”

Profound, as his question was, how much
I wanted to say, 'Rocket science it was not'...gaze
locking gaze. Mirrored in his eyes –
the meaning of life.

Certificate PG

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Comments

Thanks for reading,

Permalink Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on Fri, 2012-02-24 13:57

Thanks for reading, blessing;-) And yes, Einstein seems to be doing alright. Tina

Hi Tina, Isn't it wonderful

Permalink Submitted by skinner_jennifer on Fri, 2012-02-24 17:12

Hi Tina, Isn't it wonderful when children want to learn and ask questions. He sounds like a grandson to be proud of. And Oh! for apple-pie and cream, simply heavenly, one of my favourite desserts. This was such a family poem, I could just see, everyone around the table. Really enjoyed and thankyou for sharing this one. Jenny.

Pleased you enjoyed, Jenny

Permalink Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on Fri, 2012-02-24 17:19

Pleased you enjoyed, Jenny and many thanks for telling me. Tina;-)

You give an nice homely

Permalink Submitted by Highhat on Fri, 2012-02-24 18:47

You give an nice homely picture of family life here Tina- I was quite envious. But you deserve it if anyone does... ;)Pia

Lovely thing to say, Pia.

Permalink Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on Sat, 2012-02-25 09:02

Lovely thing to say, Pia. Thank you;-) Tina;-)

There is nothing like a

Permalink Submitted by twoflowers on Fri, 2012-02-24 21:16

There is nothing like a grandson to get a grandfather thinking and moving like he ordinarily doesn't any more. Reminded me of my Dad and nephew. :)

And so we meet again,

Permalink Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on Sat, 2012-02-25 09:03

And so we meet again, twoflowers;-) Very much appreciate your words. Yes, that smile was priceless. Tina

what a lovely piece... so

Permalink Submitted by alphadog1 on Sat, 2012-02-25 15:53

what a lovely piece... so full of gentleness, warmth and humanity... Also a very clever link between the old and the young making them both equal... and having seen my dad today, I can see the child inside the man becoming more alive; making reading this poem at this time resonate far deeper than perhaps you intended it to... re the poem There is a form... and I should know what it is... but my memory is slipping. Distortions taking place I think. please remind me as I'd like to try it myself. hope you have a lovely rest of the weekend and thanks for creating this lovely piece of work. Andy XXX

Well thank you, Andy and I

Permalink Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on Sat, 2012-02-25 16:42

Well thank you, Andy and I am pleased that the poem made such an impact on you, and that you could relate to it. As to the poems 'form', I guess you could call it 'free-verse', but I am no expert. Could just about tell the difference between a sonnet and a Haiku, but that's about all;-) Thank you, also, for your good wishes...and, it was my pleasure;-) Tina XXX