Ishkala Babala Poem by Cecil (cj) Krieger

The tall green trees
Seemed to materialize
As if by magic
From the morning mist
That had settled
On the woodland floor

While all around me
What was once a forest
Now become a drawing
In a fairytale book
I once read as a child

These joyful mornings
Stirred up memories
Of my grandfather
Telling my sister and I
Children's stories
From the old country
He knew as a boy

Stories
That were told to him
By his fathers' father
Just before bedtime
That filled the night
With wondrous dreams
Bringing smiles and wonderment
Along with
Soft peaceful slumber

I have not forgotten
Some of the strange words
He shared with us
Words
That were his alone
Words
That I have not heard again
Since he had gone

So tonight
When it is time
For dreams
To fill their sleepy eyes
I will tell my grandchildren
Before they sleep
About the wonderful adventures
Of Ishkala Babala