Tiny hands hide tiny surprises:
A squashed flower
A sticky lifesaver
A downy feather.
His smile holds even more:
A sweet soul
Filled with orneriness
And amazing compassion.
Precious curls crown
His little head
Atop a tiny, sturdy body.

This is Matthew
Grandson extraordinaire

He has taught us much
About the wonders
And about the cruelties
People can inspire.
He fills our hearts
And empties our bank account.
Handprints on the mirror,
Scribbles on the wall,
Blocks left on the stair,
Sloppy, wet kisses
Worth more than gold.

This is Matthew
Grandson extraordinaire

Mixed heritage:
German, Scottish, Norwegian
On his mother’s side,
African American
On his father’s side,
But 100% boy.
Pockets of rocks and cars,
Milk moustaches
And dirty fingernails.
Tumbling, sing song words
In his two-year old jargon.

This is Matthew
Grandson extraordinaire

Words alone cannot
Express the feelings
Of love, joy, amazement,
Coupled with exasperation
And exhaustion,
He brings to our lives.
No room for prejudice
In hearts filled
By this childlike sprite.
He raises the bar;
We must soar with him.

This is Matthew
Grandson extraordinaire