The Day My Grandson Met Dalí
Standing in front of The Discovery of America
by Cristopher Columbus,
he was introduced to the artist
for the first time
in his 15 years.
Life had led him to many new things,
sports, music and now a year in the United States,
but until today, Dali had yet a name although
this painting (a print) hung in the guest room
where he and his mother
slept in my house, when they came to visit.
Of course he already knew about Art,
he grew up surrounded by it.
His mother draped the walls of their house
in her collection and topping it off,
his older brother was an artist.
But today standing in an Art museum
contemplating it full-size,
he was almost overwhelmed with its beauty.
He felt like he had crawled inside,
now part of the imagery,
like wearing a virtual headset
he felt it as it were in 3D
and he sent a text to his mother
back home, “Mom, look
that painting I saw hanging on the wall,
at Abba’s, is just a smaller version
and it was painted by an artist
named Salvador Dalí. “
Ah how my grandson reminds me of me…
when I was first introduced to the man
who once proclaimed,
” I am Surrealism”
When I discovered him in a book
of colored plates, each painting… a surprise,
a jolt to the visual, all unfamiliarly beautiful.
It shocked my grasp of reality
and I was left almost dizzy with delight.
I smiled inside,
across the Atlantic Ocean,
so far away;
It did seem like the perfect day
for my grandson to be standing in a museum of art,
enthralled, in true awe,
meeting the artist for the first time,
known as Dalí.
Karima Hoisan
October 27, 2024
Costa Rica
The Dalí Museum
St. Petersburg, Florida
Digital Rabbit Hole 
What a great little (or big!) moment you’ve captured here. Ah, to be young and discovering so much for the first time…
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Thank you Dale, I was just moved by my daughter, Poett, sharing his reaction at being in the Dalí museum. Yes, those moments we might remember, but first hand will never come again. I felt his great luck, to be there and to be ready and willing to absorb this fantastic experience.
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It’s really wonderful to see and hear their reactions to a great discovery. Thank you for sharing Karima
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Thank you Sadje..I am pretty sure I never wrote a poem like this about my family, but I was moved by his utter excitement when he was at The Dalí Museum and just so impressed with everything.. I really enjoyed your comment.. and yes it truly is:)
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You’re welcome. Seeing our grandkids grow and experience new things is a wonderful feeling
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This made me smile. Thank you for sharing, Karima.
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Thank you Tracy for this comment.. Yes, his “first time” enthusiasm made me smile too and feel his own happiness, which prompted me to write this. PS He said he loved the poem ❤️
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Of course he loved the poem! Who wouldn’t love a poem about them? Such a gift to him. 🙂
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Awww thank you for saying that..and yes it’s true:)
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What a wonderful story to be able to recount, and so well told as well. Congratulations, a great piece of writing.
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Thank you so much David…yes it was a special moment I felt needed to be captured in more than a few photos.I am happy you enjoyed how it came out:)
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It is near impossible to make someone like/enjoy/learn things. But how joyful it is when they discover it by themselves.
I took an art history course in college just as an elective. I struggled with it but learned so much and remember quite a bit of it. I can’t say Dali was a favorite and I haven’t seen any ‘real’ masterpieces. But I can imagine the thrill your grandson must have had.
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Thank you so much for reading and leaving me this comment. I too agree with you, that discovery is the best incentive to learn. Like the old saying, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” His delight at “discovering Dalí ” filled me with delight and…this poem was born.
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What a delightful poem and inquisitive grandson, Karima. I love his ingenuity and joy of learning. He must be tickled you wrote a poem with him in mind! You have to share it with him, if you haven’t already❣️
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Oh yes, I had to get his total approval (photos/poem) before I could post it. I followed the protocol carefully:) and the best thing is..he wrote me to tell me he loved the poem and to post away!!! Yay!! So glad you enjoyed it Cindy:)
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Dali has always intrigued me, surely nobody could be immune to him? Yet I’ve never seen any other artist come even close to his unique style … so glad your handsome grandie was suitably impressed!
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Oh yes it seems to have been love at first sight and I love he recognized my print of Dali’s hanging on my bedroom wall..just never put a name to it until yesterday. Young enthusiasm is very contagious:) Thanks Kate
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oh so this happened yesterday literally … you were quick to share, thanks!
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Yes, his enthusiasm was instantly inspirational:)
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This is such an authentic and heartfelt poem, Karima! Dali is one of my favorite artists. And he was quirky, to boot!
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You’re so right,Dawn talented ‘n quirky which are two a traits I have always been drawn to and admire:)
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Such an interesting poem, very much enjoyed it.
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Thanks so much Pooja for reading and enjoying it. It was a special moment, I felt I had to try and capture:)
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You’re very welcome.
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How wonderful it is to have a grandchild be come awed by a piece of art, literature, or poetry that decades ago you admired!
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Thank you Hoyt and yes!! It’s the best!! Call me!!
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What a great feeling it would be to have a grandchild awed by a work of art, literature, or poetry that moved decades ago!
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It inspired me to write this poem:)
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Always a great feeling when our kids are fascinated by something we love. Loved the thoughts Karima. When it comes to poetry, I can always trust in you. 🙂
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Hello dear friend how nice to see you this morning on my blog. As you know, I have missed you. I have been sick the last 10 days but am starting to feel myself again. Yes it is exciting to feel our children’s innocent exuberance…that first time for so many things:) Thank you too for your last statement, that made me beam:) 🤩 Working on another children’s/adults all ages video..had to take a break while sick, but I’m back!!!
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Oh, that’s good news. Looking forward to it. And I guess I’m out of my creative slump as well. So you’ll see me around more often now. 🙂 Take care dear friend.
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Ohh and your news is fantastic….I just love that you’re writing again…your last story my friend, Dale read outloud to me ( for the second time) He really enjoyed it!! Be well Sundaram!!!
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Dali is one of the most unique artist ever. What an imagination. Those of us who gravitate into his concepts are nourished into a variation of realms and imagination. 🤗💕☕️☕️
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