When your grandfather dies
he is thin as a reed
as he always was and very still
When your grandfather dies
you remember how he crossed his legs delicately
like Mr. Rogers at the knee
When your grandfather dies
you think how little you knew him
and how little you will know him
When your grandfather dies
you remember how blue his eyes where
and how elfin his smile could be
How he smiled and told you he like Walker, Texas Ranger
“All the action!” as you sat together on the couch
When your grandfather dies
You remember him plowing the lake
so you and your brother could ice skate after school
When your grandfather dies
you hear he ate he ate a cookie last
and think of all his bowls of vanilla ice cream
When your grandfather dies
you remember how he chatted more after Alzheimer's came to him
as quiet as he was
How he looked fondly at grandma
and called her “my bride”
When your grandfather dies
You know it’s best he never lived a day without her
And you take Mat’s hand tighter
When your grandfather dies
and lays still, paper-skinned and frail
His great grand-daughter fusses in the lobby
rose-petal soft, vital and plump
Impossible without your grandfather
but forever unknown to her
And you’re older now
Older than you have ever been
Older still tomorrow
The baby bites your finger
Your grandmother closes the door