<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div><div><b>“Great Grandpa”</b> by Alan Balter</div><div><br></div><div>Great Grandpa is a wise old man who says he's ninety-four.</div><div>He tells me that he lost his leg fighting in some war.</div><div>When I was just a little tot with eyes and nose still runny,</div><div>He swears that he forgot my name, so now he calls me Sonny.</div><div><br></div><div>Great Grandpa is a carpenter; he makes things out of wood,</div><div>Chairs and stairs and pegs and legs; gee, I wish I could.</div><div>He has saws and tools and tapes and rules in the shed where he does work.</div><div>Most times he's out there late at night with his dear old helper, Turk.</div><div><br></div><div>Together they talk of good old days, 'bout things they used to do,</div><div>And sometimes they just kick around what are lies and what is true.</div><div>Once at breakfast, I asked my gramps when he learned his trade.</div><div>He said, "Sonny, I'm very proud to say it was down in second grade."</div><div><br></div><div>"Gramps," I said, "Now that's a fib; you weren't but seven or eight.</div><div>A boy can't be a carpenter at such an early date."</div><div>Grandpa winked and took a swig of cider for his thirst.</div><div>"Why, sure you can; it's easy Sonny, after nine straight years in first!"</div><div><br></div><div>We laughed and then he took a nap; his skin grew pale and lighter.</div><div>I loved his wrinkled face and brow, this great old freedom fighter.</div><div>He had a restful sleep awhile snoring soft and steady.</div><div>I wonder if Great Grandpa knows I'm missing him already.</div></div><div><br></div>———————————————<br><br><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)</span></div><div><a href="http://www.moscowcares.com/" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">http://www.MoscowCares.com</font></a></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tom Hansen</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moscow, Idaho</span></div></div><div> </div></div></body></html>