POEM_MY GRANDFATHER'S HAND

about:
grandfathers

TEARS IN A BOTTLE COLLECTION
Caryl Ramsdale, American Poet

A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches,and loving favor rather than silver and gold. PROVERBS 22:1 KJV

MY GRANDFATHER'S HAND
to James Francis Casey
09/26/1883-05/23/1959

One of the oldest families,
Best known for their good Irish name;
Lived in this house, on this land,
Grandsons planned to do the same.
Three worn, corner-chipped, porch steps,
Stacked up to an aging, screen door;
That squeaked when I opened it,
Closed slowly, as I crossed the floor.
A pull chain lit the darkness,
In the small bedroom I called mine;
Where I dreamed of tomorrow,
Thought out how I'd cross finish lines.
The back yard was my sports field,
Had shade trees and low limbs to dodge;
Cement strips—weeds grew between—
Led from the street, to this garage.
This house won't last forever,
And strangers might live on this land;
But folks won't forget me,
'Cause they shook my grandfather's hand.

© Copyright 1999-2007 Caryl Ramsdale. All rights reserved.