Grand-dad

You were like my dad, granddad.
You were there since I was born
and you were there to guide me
until I learnt to find my own ways.

You were sensei, a PE teacher,
revered one in our community,
and I was the sensei’s granddaughter.
You liked to smoke Mild Seven and
told me smoking was good for health
and I believed you until
I grew up.

I was always with you.
Pushing your bike up the hill, with you on it.
You wanted to train me tobe a star athlete.
Do you remember the jumping horse that
you made with just a table and a cushion?
You were always there to nurture me;
When I injured myself,you’d spit on it and say
‘It’s nothing’, and Ibelieved you.
Look at my scars on myknees and elbows.
What a tomboy you’ve created!

Even though I never came in first in any race or
won any awards to fill your shoes,
I know to you, I was a star.
I’ve got all the pictures of you with your beaming smile.
They were my awards.

Granddad, I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you a white lie
when you asked me to tell you the truth.
I’m sorry the truth disheartened you.
And then, your illness took over you.
You had no strength to fight back.
It was so hard for me to see you lose control
and left paralysed.

The last time I saw you, you were staring at the floor
as if the weight of your shoulders was too heavy
and you could no longer hold up.

The next morning, you passed on.

Granddad, thank you for waiting for me.
I know you are still watching over me.
I will just be the sensei’s granddaughter
but I know you are always smiling down on me.
Thank you, for being there.
I love you, my Grand-dad.