I remember your slicked back gray hair
your wide proud smile
the cane that you would rather go without
and your hat with the bill flipped up.


The stories you always told
of how you lost your thumb nail
to the hoof of a horse
or when you almost jumped off a windmill


The way you loved to grow tomatoes
and would spend hours in our garden
the way you loved to finish a puzzle
or do a cross word.


I remember you always telling me to
“Hit a homerun this time”
and even if I didn’t
you would always be proud.


The way you always cared for grandma
and always kept her sharp
the way you loved to hear me play the piano
at the recitals at your place.


I remember when you left
leaving me with only a memory
your time had come, your name called
but I will always remember.