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Can your recommend a birthday poem for a grandma who hasn't been part of your life.

77 replies

Barbarbarann · 06/06/2024 14:01

My teenage son has been asked to read a poem for his grandmother's milestone birthday. We will video it and they will play it during her party. She lives on the other side of the world, so whilst my husband is going, my son and I are not as it is during school time.

My son has only met her in person three times although he has said hello to her a handful of times over facetime. She simply hasn't been part of his life. She is not an affectionate or thoughtful type of person either. She usually forgets birthdays and has never sent a gift or card to him his whole life but will occasionally send money randomly saying it is for his birthday or Christmas. It is just the way she is and we have accepted it (it doesn't mean I am happy about it! - and please don't make this post about that!)

I am at a complete loss as to what poem he could read. DH found a random grandma poem but it assumes some kind of affection or shared experiences. I cringed at every line as it was not true! I said I would find another poem. Any ideas would be helpful - it doesn't necessarily have to be a grandma poem. Perhaps there is more generic poem that would work?!

I would be so grateful for any help! Thanks.

OP posts:
ZipZapZoom · 06/06/2024 14:04

Honestly I wouldn't bother. They have no relationship and he won't even be attending the party anything you choose will be completely irrelevant as like you've said it presumes there is a relationship between them.

JackieGoodman · 06/06/2024 14:10

We Raise A Cheer
Poet: C. A. Lynch

Grandma, Grandma we raise a cheer
Another birthday’s here!
You’ve seen many years, I guess that’s clear
On this special day, let us show our care.

When it comes to the wisdom that you share
Incredibly valuable and rare
We want to celebrate you and let it be known
Happy Birthday, Grandma, from us all at home.

Barbarbarann · 06/06/2024 14:11

JackieGoodman · 06/06/2024 14:10

We Raise A Cheer
Poet: C. A. Lynch

Grandma, Grandma we raise a cheer
Another birthday’s here!
You’ve seen many years, I guess that’s clear
On this special day, let us show our care.

When it comes to the wisdom that you share
Incredibly valuable and rare
We want to celebrate you and let it be known
Happy Birthday, Grandma, from us all at home.

This is very helpful! Thank you.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Katiesaidthat · 06/06/2024 14:11

You lost me at "she forgets birthdays", she reaps what she sows. I wouldn´t bother with this farce.

JackieGoodman · 06/06/2024 14:15

But, agree with others, I wouldn't push for DS to do it unless he especially wants to.

MeinKraft · 06/06/2024 14:18

Grandma, where have you been?
It's been years since you've been seen.
I hope your birthday is full of fun
and one day you visit your grandson

JackieGoodman · 06/06/2024 14:19

@MeinKraft that's the one! Perfect Wink

CelesteCunningham · 06/06/2024 14:19

You could look for a funny birthday poem, rather than a grandma one, might not emphasise the relastionship.

ScribblingPixie · 06/06/2024 14:20

Maybe you could drop her a hint courtesy of Jim Yerman:
When generations come together…I love how quickly we discern…each generation has something to teach…and each has something to learn.For when generations come together…when they share their thoughts, their feelings…their hearts…they take a little of each generation with them when it's time for them to part.

Polominty · 06/06/2024 14:21

Why can’t your DH just read out a son poem if he’s that bothered.

otherwise I’ve spent a whole minute on this, it kind of rhymes

I’d like to say how much I love you
But Grandma,I don’t even know you

ElizaDoolittleAndOften · 06/06/2024 14:25

As your 80th Birthday draws near
I hope your family hold you dear
To you I’d like to raise a cup
Even though I couldn’t pick you out in a line up

Barbarbarann · 06/06/2024 14:38

For those that say we shouldn't bother - it is about paying respects to his grandma because she is his elder and grandma. DS should treat her with respect regardless of her thoughtlessness over the years. That life lesson alone is worth looking for the right poem or perhaps making one up.

I love some of the suggested lines of poetry. I have a feeling we will be making one up with bits and pieces from here!

OP posts:
BodyKeepingScore · 06/06/2024 14:47

"Grandma grandma where have you been. To me you are just a face on a screen. I hear it's your birthday, I hope it's full of good cheer. Maybe you'll remember mine when it comes to next year..." 😉

BodyKeepingScore · 06/06/2024 14:48

Barbarbarann · 06/06/2024 14:38

For those that say we shouldn't bother - it is about paying respects to his grandma because she is his elder and grandma. DS should treat her with respect regardless of her thoughtlessness over the years. That life lesson alone is worth looking for the right poem or perhaps making one up.

I love some of the suggested lines of poetry. I have a feeling we will be making one up with bits and pieces from here!

Respect is earned, it's not a right.

Barbarbarann · 06/06/2024 14:50

BodyKeepingScore · 06/06/2024 14:47

"Grandma grandma where have you been. To me you are just a face on a screen. I hear it's your birthday, I hope it's full of good cheer. Maybe you'll remember mine when it comes to next year..." 😉

I love this! It won't be used (!) - but it is still brilliant and made me smile. 😆

OP posts:
OnGoldenPond · 06/06/2024 14:52

Something by Philip Larkin would seem appropriate

AuntieMarys · 06/06/2024 14:53

OnGoldenPond · 06/06/2024 14:52

Something by Philip Larkin would seem appropriate

😅😅

OnGoldenPond · 06/06/2024 14:53

ElizaDoolittleAndOften · 06/06/2024 14:25

As your 80th Birthday draws near
I hope your family hold you dear
To you I’d like to raise a cup
Even though I couldn’t pick you out in a line up

Edited

That's fabulous! I proper laughed out loud at that! Grin

Mojodojocasahous · 06/06/2024 14:58

What kind of an example are you demonstrating for your son here? Just cos you’re old you can treat people in a shitty way.

Barbarbarann · 06/06/2024 14:59

BodyKeepingScore · 06/06/2024 14:48

Respect is earned, it's not a right.

Respectfully disagree(!!). Respect is your responsibility to give to others. But that is better placed in a philosophy forum!

OP posts:
Dinoswearunderpants · 06/06/2024 14:59

What are you teaching your son here? It's ok for them to be forgotten, saying they are not special enough but you'll force him to read a poem to a women he doesn't even know.

You say about respect, how about respect for your son. Ever consider what does he want to do. Has he said he's ok with reading a poem for this women? If he doesn't mind then why not allow him to read the poem he found.

You're making this about you IMO. He has found a poem yet you deem it's not appropriate as she hasn't been involved. Let her hear the poem and maybe realise the words do not ring true.

And out of interest, who moved away? If it was you, then she can hardly be held responsible for not seeing her grandchild.

BodyKeepingScore · 06/06/2024 14:59

@Barbarbarann I've clearly missed my calling. It's a shame she hasn't made more of an effort to be in your son's life, and I'm sure she'll regret that in years to come. It is very kind that he's agreed to read for her regardless of her disinterest

BodyKeepingScore · 06/06/2024 15:01

@Barbarbarann that's an interesting stance to take on respect. I don't feel it's my responsibility, or that of my children to afford someone respect by virtue of their age or that they're older than I am. Respect is the idea that you hold someone in high esteem because of their actions, morals, behaviour etc. so to me it's not always a given. You're correct in that it would make an interesting topic on Philosophy board!