About 12 hours ago I became a grandfather for the first time. I’m now “Granddaddy John” for Baby Max, and I’m delighted. Patrick was a grandfather four times over. In his last years he even prepared to adopt the youngest if necessary in order to insure a healthy, stable future for her. I am excited, […]
Dedicated to John in ‘7, but applies to Patrick now as well. Today would have been John’s 108th birthday. Fathers whisper With the breeze In long encouraging phrases To offset Somber reminders Each bitter milestone brings Dads encourage children, With each questioning gaze Reflected in our mirrors, To thrive Despite their fatherly absence Parents speak […]
Grandfather’s bred brotherWas a black leather Bible:Each day to heavenWas begun and endedBetween onion skin leaves. He boldly ledA life of SundaysOf rollicking sermonsAnd week-long revivals loudWith trombones and banjos:A leaping preacherWas his carnival:A joker who knocked them down,One to a ball. (Never a nightFewer than a hundredRolled down the aislesTo the altar.) But now […]