A Grouchy Old Mentor

To the old man with the German accent,

Dispensing knowledge at every event,

silent air, a disinterested face

bet you have already sized up the place.

Crotchety rebuffs, yet the eyes twinkling

faster than me, in spite of the wrinkling.

Grudgingly released from your lock and key

stories, scraps of wisdom, memories free.

A touch of humor, a hitch in your step,

a child in war your composure still kept.

Always a criticism (a helping hand).

Same sense of humor, but carefully planned.

Steel heart, steel wit, steel blade with steel intent.

From, the girl with the Missouri accent.