Words, Don't Fail Me Now

My Grandpa

(A Memory Rhyming Poem)

December 3, 2011

A man of few words,

but wise, nonetheless.

Stubborn to a fault

as his patience we'd test

He served in the Air Corps,

was a civil engineer

And a good man to his family

year after year

He bled green and white -

A Spartan fan true.

Best beware of "the look"

if you mentioned "Go Blue."

Ev'ry morning he'd have

his coffee without fail

As he read the newspaper

and sorted through mail.

He liked everything plain -

a no fuss kind of guy.

On his burgers, no "garbage"

on the side, he'd have fries.

His dislike for pickles

was one of a kind

"I'm allergic to them" -

he had made up his mind.

Manhattans and Mai Tais,

a cold beer or two

Celebrating with friends -

that he knew how to do.

Public Broadcasting programs

and NCIS

USA, Big 10 network -

on TV, those were best.

He taught us to play card games -

Pinochle was fun.

And we always enjoyed it,

no matter who won.

He gave generously

of his money and time

For he believed that to give

any less was a crime.

A brother, an uncle

a grandpa and dad

A friend, a coworker,

an MSU grad

Words simply can't tell

how I miss him - I've tried

It just hasn't been 

the same since he died.

But his memory I'll carry

with me where I go.

Blessed to be his granddaughter -

that I sure hope he knows.