I.
But you were invincible!
Your giant, lanky frame rising past my head,
Your short grey hairs and long white beard,
Your spirit, bold and strong
--Fighting fearlessly, making friends, encompassing errands--
Inspired the rest of us.
Yes, you were old; but you were never unable.
Your past came like pages from a legend,
Your present, a continuation of that adventure.
Your hands, wrinkled and brown
--Soldering pipe, joining wires, sawing wood--
Pressed gently on my shoulders.
When you talked, everyone listened.
Your jokes caused a tsunami of laughter,
Your words sparked conversation and debate.
Your layered voice, with it ups and downs
--Speaking softly, claiming loudly, chuckling heartily--
Echoed beautifully in our hearts.
The story of your life was a story to be heard.
You were the everyday man who worked hard,
Who saw the things that the welltodo did not.
Your eyes, behind those handsome specs,
--Laughing solemnly, enduring bravely, remembering wistfully--
Looked upon us with endearment.
How could a man like you be overcome
By something as commonplace as Cancer?
Surely a soul so strong can fight this beast.
But we see you now, as you recline,
--thinking quietly, laughing feebly, watching sadly--
As though you have already lost the battle.
II.
Victory is not only achieved
By conquering the enemy physically.
True conquest is in the best acceptance
Live life as it lets you, but you make your rules
Laugh with all your might, for goodness prevails all evil
Love all and everything, for love is the root of all joy, and
Never be afraid to think, never be afraid to speak.
Never be afraid to accept, never be afraid to believe.
Never be afraid to decide, never choose to be unhappy.
You raised our parents with proper care like a father should
And in our turn spoiled us as a proper grandfather does
Now we surround you, all your own, here for you.
Remember consistently and with no end, for God is our Master
Praise Him, for His blessings both masked and evident
Have Patience, for truly, sweet is its fruit, and
Never be afraid to look behind, never be afraid to look ahead.
Never be afraid to anticipate, never be afraid to let go.
Never be afraid to pray, never be afraid to hope.
And never forget that we too fight,
(Your battle is ours
Our battle yours)
We stand in rows right behind you.
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Submission Name: Grandfather
