As I sit beside your bed
Thinking of the last words you said to me
You told me to put out my cigarette
Even though it was not lit
And that was it
And the fire in your heart
Is no more as you depart from this world
But the sentiment of strength you left with me
Burns like an effigy
You made me see
You read to me
Forgave, did not make enemies
I hope you're now in a better place
With your siblings and your baby
And grandad legs crossed in his chair
Pour a glass of sherry
For you're no longer in pain
And place those heated rollers in your hair
You were the highlight of school holidays
Cooking rich desserts and involving us in games and dress up plays
Your paintings on the wall depicting beautiful landscapes
And your table tennis table the centrepiece of summer days
Cups of tea and home baked cakes
Grandad could barely drive but you insisted always safe
Picking the fruits in your garden
Telling tales of younger days
Of my ancestors with funny names like Ralph
I hope you're now in a better place
With your siblings and your baby
And grandad legs crossed in his chair
Pour a glass of sherry
For you're no longer in pain
And place those heated rollers in your hair
And thanks for being there
Thanks for being the best gran
That a young boy could ever dare to dream
To have at a tender age when I just remember so much green
And the sunshine bursting through the trees warm as your love and care
But the summers like your life we thought could never end
But I can no longer pretend
Goodbye gran
My friend
