The Life of a Grandfather

The Life of a Grandfather

The life of a grandfather can be a joyous one

The morning starts with a pee and for the dog as well

Then his daily I.V. accompanied by his myriad of pills 

Finally a chef’s meal to address his special diet 

Next is my granddaughter’s entertaining drive to preschool

She singing over the car music at all times

The rear of the truck occupied with an assortment of dolls

Innumerable stuffed animals and rain boots fill the floor

We hold hands as we enter the side door of the church

Hang her coat then depositing the knapsack

Singing as we make our way to the classroom

I’m offered a good-bye hug when we arrive

Church employees coming and going

Yoga mats lain on the cold floor by yogis in training

Down-syndrome adults straddle the railings awaiting class

Contractors fixing the ever broken something

Activity abounds

But the church remains empty

The pews are polished and clean

But not a carcass in sight

The church doors closed with only darkness visible

I enter as often as I can to greet the silence

The pews feel humid and cool to the touch

The stained glass figures acknowledge their loneliness

I sit invisibly next to a pillar in the quiet solitude

Acknowledging the stillness and frigid air

Reflection starts with a Hail Mary and then an Our Father

To all the living and the dead I offer a supplication of peace

The occasional creek or rattle tell me I am not alone

The subway passengers down below are one step beyond

Dormant spirits content by my occasional visit

Jesus’ shadow over the pulpit acknowledges my good-bye

Thank you,
Joseph Pede