We do not stop playing because we grow old,
we grow old because we stop playing!
— Benjamin Franklin
I Never Knew a Grandfather
A lot of my childhood friends had grandpas
and I wondered why I’d been cheated
of having a bearded old live-in Santa Claus
sitting around waiting for the elves to
make enough toys for the big Christmas sack
I learn that grandfathers can make things
take grandsons fishing
teach them how to carve wood
twisting resentment that I didn’t have one
Both grandfathers are dead before I am born
creating a haunting void
in which I pondered if my granddaddies
would have liked being with me
telling good stories and sharing things
A forever young grandfather is good for kids
a pal who still wants to play
knowing how to get away from grownups
Playing that loving role leaves me with doubt
wondering if I measure up to my
amazingly adaptable grandkids’ expectations.
Now certain of only one thing
I love being a grandfather for years to come
and one day their Centenarian Grandpappy.
You sound like my father here Bill~ he is 83 with 70 grands and greatgrands...he wants to live to be 137! Why that number? I have no clue? But, one thing I do know is he never stops playing! He also just renewed his Builders license and keeps working! You are one of few who realize what's important in life...and it's probably because of your void, that displayed this need higher in your life's journey!
Loved this write! A keeper my dear sir! Smiles!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
I never knew one of my grandfathers and have been told I have his personality so maybe these things are in the genes after all...Now as to you, I do believe that your grands are quite lucky to have you... full of life and as Erny said a wordsmith too..))
Loved this piece!
A very tired Myrna
You don't have to have a grandfather to be a good one, Bill. It just comes naturally, especially one as loving as you are. Your poetry speaks volumes of love.
Love,
CJ
methinks those grand kids of yours are lucky munchkins...not only do they have a person like you mention in this wonderful piece of verse...but they also have one who is an exceptional wordsmith.
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Go grandpa!
Mary
My grandmother died when I was five, and I still remember sitting on her lap while she read to me.
I hope you make it to 100 too; the world needs you.
Elizabeth
love and peace, Carole
Loved this write! A keeper my dear sir! Smiles!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
Reindeer
Loved this piece!
A very tired Myrna
Love,
CJ
Rusty