My grandfather
was a stern man —
absolutely no sense of humor —
something of a quiz master
suspicious and critical
certain that he was right about everything
I wasn't the only one
who was afraid of him
But I'm glad
to have him living with me now
inhabiting my top step
just outside the front door
I noticed him the day we moved in
29 years ago next month
"Blue," I said, "meet Grandpa Joe"
we stood there
on that step
and pounded our feet
just so he would know
for sure
that we got it
acknowledging his spirit
and oh yes
we understood he would
be watching over us
not exactly approving
but protecting his own
