My Grandpa's Pranks

Dear Grandpa,

The doctors say you have a short time to live.

Your relatives have you marked down as the next funeral to attend.

Your grandchildren have their eyes on what ancient artifact they want.

Though your grandson can’t decide between your wisdom teeth or gall bladder stones.

You make out your will with a couple of witnesses at your side.

You talk of death as the next step.

But you know deep down this is all a lie:

I can see it from your mischievous grin and the scoff in your eyes.

I once saw that look on a child superhero’s face in your photo album.

Now a more wrinkled face, that child still likes to play tricks and pull practical jokes.

You put us in suspense with your heart attacks and strokes,

But you keep hanging on by a thread.

You live in a feeble shell, but your mind is as quick as lightning.

I know a tree just like you; each year the old branches die,

But the hardy roots always shoot forth new life.

I know this is just another joke, so Grandpa, tell the truth:

You know you’ll never die. You’re immortal, always catching a second wind.

And I’ve decided I want to be just like you when I grow old: a kid again.

Love,

Leen

This was for my maternal grandfather before he died in 2003.

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