Grandfather

They're calling you grandpa

But I never fully got used to calling you dad

It's so weird to see you so loving

Why were you never like that to me growing up?

I remember the birthdays without you

Being afraid to share your career with the class

Getting dropped off in a van

The family stories that would make the girls laugh

Your yells and telling me when I've sinned

Hit with the belt while kneeling in front of the holiest spirit himself

Hours kneeling on my bare skin

Tears burning more with each whip

I am glad that man is gone

But how did you become so kind?

Telling your grandson you loved him from the very moment he's alive

I don't remember those words growing up

I am only hearing them now

What a shame I didn't grow up

receiving your now grandfatherly love

Written on: March 13, 2021