For My Grandpa Paul

For my Grandpa Paul

who was eager to play

no matter the conditions, 

who at 70 

wanted to run

like the farm boy he once was.

Who didn’t care if he got wet in the cold sprinkler

and never if something went wrong

because he is my best friend.

For my Grandpa Paul 

who at 80 

told me 

many stories

of his few fading memories

For my Grandpa Paul

who taught me everything he loved.

Who had taught me how to play cribbage

and even let me win.

Who taught me about my German heritage 

with many songs of cheer.

For my Grandpa Paul 

who knew God

and showed me to Him too.

Who would always shed a tear at the dinner prayer 

always followed by

God bless the cook. 

For my Grandpa Paul 

who made me cry

because he had left 

but 

was never gone

For my Grandpa Paul 

who missed his brothers and sisters 

and one he had never met.

For my Grandpa Paul 

who hadn’t seen his mother and father in far too long

and wanted to go home 

so he did.

And once again made me cry.