Saturday, August 22, 2009

A Poem for Leila




One lazy morning not long ago, I noticed the cartoon, Madeline, was on TV. As I watched it, I was reminded how much I've always loved that book series. I vowed then and there that I would introduce Madeline to my granddaughter Leila, who is 2 years old, the next time she came over to my house.


I googled the author of the series, Ludwig Bemelmans, and read all about him. His grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano has written a book about his grandfather entitled, "Bemelmans: The Life and Art of Madeline's Creator." I rushed out later that day, and checked it out from the library.


As I went through the pages, I was fascinated. It's an excellent peek into Ludwig's life and creativity. It was so inspiring. I began sketching pictures of Madeline and different monuments in Paris, when I decided to write a poem for Leila. Within about 10 minutes, I had a poem written, based on dreaming of taking Leila to Paris someday. I thought I would share it with you, along with some photos of her taken in a park near our home.


(Gigi is my grandma name, and Poppy is my husband's grandpa name).









A Poem for Leila

by: Gigi


Leila was a little girl,

The bottom of her hair, a curl.

She learned her letters everyday,

Her mom and dad would shout, “Hurray!”


As she grew, she dreamed of France.

“Gigi will take me,” she said with a dance.

The years went by, one by one.

“When we go to Paris, we'll have such fun!”


The day finally came when she turned sixteen.

At her party, she looked like a queen.

The last card she opened had a ticket inside.

“To Charles de Gualle airport, we shall fly!”


Poppy came too, he would not stay behind,

On those two, he must keep an eye.

To monument, to museum, to church, to café,

Leila knew she would never be the same.


Paris opened her eyes to the splendor of life.

She would not spend it in worry and strife.

The City of Lights was a part of her mind.

She knew she could go there, anytime.


“When life gets you down,” Gigi would say,

“Just close your eyes, and picture the Seine.

The art, the cheese, the café au lait,

Or an afternoon stroll on the Champs Elysees.”


"Paris now has a part of your heart,

And from it she will never depart.

May romance, elegance, beauty, and grace,

Be a part of your life, for the rest of your days.”





{I have not titled this poem yet....any suggestions?}







9 comments:

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Teri I adore this poem -- thanks for sharing it with everyone.

Little Leila is SOOO cute!!! Is that the Saunders park, by chance? If so, I have spent many, many hours there with Olivia when she was little. It is magical!

Thanks for sharing your incredible creation!!

Ruth

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Teri,
First, I must tell you that I adore your poem. I'm amazed at the many things we share in common. My grandma name is Gigi, and Poppy is her grandpa. We have an almost 2 year old granddaughter named Jordan, whom I adore and can't wait to take to Paris. We took mommy and daddy when she was still in the womb so she has technically been there, but someday we'll go again. I have a love relationship with Paris too, having been there so many times through the years, and I'm a true Francophile. Jordan has a copy of the children's books Moi and Marie Antoinette, as well as My Little Versailles. You might want to look them up. I'm looking forward to more future blogs. I'm a new blogger too. http://debikirksey.blogspot.com

I'll be adding my name as a follower. Hold fast to that dream....
Debi

Meagan said...

That is so sweet. I love it!!! I read it to Leila earlier and she thought it was great. She also loved the pictures you used.

LuLu said...

That is the most touching poem I have ever read. i have a lump in my throat it was so sweet. I was thinking of my children as I read this and how I want them to see the world with excitement and eagarness. What a blessing it was to read this, thank you so much for sharing it.
xo,
LuLu

Quite Simply Me said...

I agree! What a touching poem and the pictures of your granddaughter are beautiful as is she - just precious!

I think it is a wonderful that you will be taking her to see the world! I want to do the same when I have grandchildren. But Teri...you look so young to have a grandchild!

I am enjoying your posts so much. I don't get to comment often but wanted you to know I have been stopping by and reading looking forward to the next installment! This poem was a nice surprise! :O)

xo

Simply Colette said...

I love that poem! And it's something to look forward too... what an awesome grandmother!

The Flying Bee said...

Teri,

You're poem is beautiful! What a special gift for Leila. I know she will treasure this poem forever. Thank you so much for sharing it.

The Flying Bee said...

Oh gosh! I just read my comment from this morning...it should say your, not you're. :)

TeriGigi/Girl Meets Paris said...

Everyone~

Thanks for all the nice comments. It means a lot.

To The Flying Bee...I would've never noticed!

;0
Teri

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