All the world’s an examination
And all the people pass breath to give a testimony.
A young lad looks up to his grandfather;
He enters a journey he won’t realize he’s in ‘till late.
5. It commences with choosing the elder’s name;
Shall it be “Grandpa?” “Pappy?” “Papa?”
Ah yes, Papa, a name which becomes of the lips well
For a youngster just learning to enunciate sounds.
The journey of the relationship continues like a
10. Train hence from the station.
My Papa is a giant, holding my hand across the street.
The development of my mind hastens as the fresh
Aroma of library books enter my lungs, Papa’s
Voice matching the staccato lisp of mine
15. While Captain Ahab struggles with the Great White Whale.
The third installment is shared with Christopher.
Papa’s affection is now contended for like a pair
Of cubs brawling over their mother’s warm hugs.
These youngsters point stubby fingers at one another
20. When their Papa discovers a great blasphemy--
The treasured flowers have been trampled by two troublemaking honey badgers.
Nonetheless, fingers become sticky and mouths wet with
Messy Klondike bar icecream
While viewing Muppets Treasure Island for the twenty-third time!
25. With the fourth stage comes a realization,
The once great beastly Papa is now no longer a giant.
The top of my head reaches the third button up
His flannel shirt!
As this stage moves on, the wise oracle comes
30. Out. Many lessons from a life of longevity
Are transferred into my heart. Lessons of
which at the time were not appreciable, but
Remained as seeds that sprouted great, strong roots
In my soul.
35. The greatest of his truths lacked complexity,
But made up for in impact:
“When in doubt, don’t!” quite profound.
Following wisdom arrives tragedy.
The strong Papa that is always an anchor to my life
40. Is shaken with loss.
Breath, taste, and life are stolen from him by a thief.
The Thief is known as cancer, and its icy fingers
Grabbed ahold of his wife.
A fountain of joy, his reason in life-- stolen.
45. A loss so profound-- it could not be borne.
He did not have to bear it though.
He served a merciful God, and merciful was He to His
Humble servant.
The Lord, in the wisdom that surrounds Him, wiped
50. Papa’s memory clean.
A transition most devastating to me.
The giant that once protected me know needed protection.
Confusion morphed to sadness, and sadness to bitterness
As I could not bear to hear my name inquired for the
55. again, and again, and again by he that
Practically brought me up.
Only a power not my own brought me to this realization:
Papa was my champion for thirteen years of my life,
It was my time to return the favor.
60. My whole world shifted as summers were spent in that livingroom.
Conversations were repeated over and over, but still I loved that man.
Dementia was God’s blessing, for its fog covered the
Sadness provoked by the loss of his beloved.
The final chapter came two days after the recognition of Christ’s birth.
65. Like a thief in the night, Papa’s breath left him.
Bereft? True, however it was a peaceful way, for his
Family was around him ‘til the end.
Realization comes now that is was a life meant to reflect mine;
A testimony that taught me joy, love, and faith, and it is clear now.
70. Gratitude overwhelms my soul as cups runs over for that man I know as “Papa”.