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?}