…..
In the autumn of my life,
The world is contemplating strife.
A granddaughter plays blissfully,
Her beaming smile refreshes me.
In the autumn of my life,
Where worldly, evil hate’s not rife.
…..
Saturday Centus Week 72 – “In the autumn…” used in new 32 word lyrics to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” – Life’s Autumn Years
18
Sep
Ross's Writing Blog 
Annas Adornments, Sweden
September 18, 2011 at 19:52
Dear Ross,
This one I could sing. But I had to look up the word ‘rife’. Is it that bad? If you have a granddaughter, life can’t be all bad?
Just a thought.
Best wishes,
Anna
Anna’s SC wk 72’In the Autumn’
Ross Mannell
September 18, 2011 at 20:15
OOPS! Thanks for pointing this out….
I used ‘rife’ to rhyme with life but posted the initial version rather than the correct one. I had been toying with rhyming words, writing and reviewing then decided on an ending with a rhyme. Without checking what was already waiting in the post, I added ‘rife’ but forgot to add the new ending. This has been corrected.
Careless error as it changes the meaning significantly.
Unfortunately, I’ve never had children or grandchildren of my own but have cared for many as a teacher. I wanted to point out the smile of a loving child can go a long way towards reassuring us about the future. 🙂
Cheryl
September 18, 2011 at 21:43
Beautifully done Centus.
Ross Mannell
September 18, 2011 at 22:36
Thank you for the comment. Iy was a challenge in the real sense this time. 🙂
Nonna Beach
September 18, 2011 at 23:57
Excellent, Lovely thoughts on the power and innocence of children to help us look to the future with hope of better days…Bravo ! ( being a teacher of others children and my own, i was often amazed with how they inspired me daily to look for silver linings and rainbows )
Ross Mannell
September 19, 2011 at 19:39
Thanks for the comment.
One of the things I greatly missed since retiring from full time teaching was the excited littlies running up to say hello when they saw me in town. It’s one of the main reasons I sort to return to teaching as a casual. They always livened my day even when not always behaved.
Judie
September 19, 2011 at 03:26
Ross, I saw where you were going here, and to my mind, you succeeded. Looking into the smiling face of a child always should give us hope for the future.
Ross Mannell
September 19, 2011 at 19:41
Thanks for the comment.
I still find a happy child inspiring. Their innocent fun reminds me the world is a good place to be even when troubles seem around. 🙂
beckyp
September 19, 2011 at 04:58
great post I will be a grandma in april 🙂
Ross Mannell
September 20, 2011 at 06:36
Thanks for the comment.
A grandma in April? … That is wonderful news. A chance to share the life of a child is a blessing. Being a grandma, you get to spoil grandchildren safe in the thought you hand them back later. 😉
You have a great adventure ahead. 🙂
Dazee
September 20, 2011 at 04:37
That was so beautiful. And I hear you on the Grandkids. They do make everything worth it.
Ross Mannell
September 20, 2011 at 06:39
Thanks for the comment.
I don’t have any children of my own but do child care work during school holidays as well as look after two children when their mother is away on courses. I was thinking of their smiles and that of the children of my former students with whom I am in contact. All bring joy with their smiles.
Upinthecosmos
September 20, 2011 at 16:19
Great write, fitting for these days:-)
Ross Mannell
September 20, 2011 at 22:16
Thanks for the comment.
I agree. With all the strife in the world, it’s good to have something to remind tehre is goodness as well.
Jenny Matlock
September 30, 2011 at 08:21
Ross, loved your imagery here. Granddaughters really make the world better, don’t they?
This was wonderful…and with such a hard prompt, too.
And it ‘sang’ perfectly, too, although I suspect my voice singing it was not nearly as perfect.
Thank you for linking up.