Grandfather

Very early
every morning
grandfather would rise
long before anyone else

He would quietly walk down
the hallway careful not to disturb
the slumber of the rest of the household

I would keep my eyes closed
pretending to still be asleep
as he stopped to peek in on me

I did this as I knew this time was
special for him and I knew if he found
me awake he would stay to visit with me
rather than continue on his way

After finding me still asleep
grandfather continued slowly down
the stairway and into the kitchen
where he started a pot of coffee

Very strong
the aroma would fill the house
like sunshine
pouring through an open window

After pouring himself a cup of Joe
as he called it
he would step into the den
and start a warm fire

He then would go to the front door
and get the newspaper,
finding it somewhere between the porch
and the end of the driveway

As he sipped his coffee
he would glance up every once in awhile
to see if anyone had risen

I would remain in my room picturing him
knowing his morning ritual so well
like a special fairy tale
I was told and memorized in detail

I could tell when he finished reading his paper
as he would roll it back up
placing the rubber band back around
as if it had never been touched

Placing it on the hallway table
walking back to the kitchen for another cup of coffee
I could hear him open the cabinet

Shortly thereafter, I could hear
the toaster popping up his toast
I could hear him still trying to be so quiet
and thought how very considerate he was

After a bit I could hear
the running water as he washed his dishes
and put them into the drainboard.

When he was finished i would hear
his footsteps return to the den where
he would turn on the radio very low
He'd close his eyes as he sat in his easy chair
feet propped on a cushioned stool

I could easily see him as I ventured
halfway down the stairs
stopping to sit and watch him

I always found him so interesting
his figure tall and slim his features rugged
yet he had such a gentleness about him
His smile was like a rainbow after a storm
always so comforting to me

Grandfather came to live with us
after grandmother passed away
My parents insisted the ranch they lived on
was far too large and lonely
for him to stay there without her
He agreed and this was something
we were all glad about

Grandfather was American Indian
and very proud of his heritage
whenever he would tell us stories
it was like honey from his lips
every word leaving you hungry for more

Each day I would wait
for his ritual to be complete
and then walk down the stairs
and join him in the den

He always greeted me
with a kiss upon the cheek
and I always greeted him
with a big hug and kiss in return
and we would sit awhile and chat
while we waited for the others to rise

I recall my grandfathers deep blue eyes
and as I listened to him speak
it was impossible not to journey within them
able to walk the paths of his life
learning from his wisdom
blessed by his spirit

Grandfather passed away a few years ago
quietly in his sleep and i believe beyond a doubt
that grandmother was by his side

Sometimes early
very early in the morning
I think I hear my grandfather's footsteps in the hallway
while my husband and my children are fast asleep

At times can even smell the coffee brewing
the aroma filling up the house
like an old friend dropping by
it brings me such a comfort

I quietly walk down the stairs to the kitchen
and sipping a cup of "Joe"
I smile and I whisper
good morning grandfather
good morning grandmother
I know you are near me
I miss you
and always, I will love you

(a story I wrote in a dream)