I need more practice
being Grampa.
I didn’t get the formula
quite right
for being loveable old
and when my little baby granddaughter
didn’t want to go with us
to the rib joint
I tried appealing to
her better nature
to be altruistic helpful
and told her
“They’re serving
baby back ribs
but they need more babies
so they won’t run out.
Let’s go!”
Her eyes got big and thoughtful.
Then she really didn’t want to go.

Maybe I should try
taking her to the theater.
They’re playing
Sweeney Todd.

My Daughter says, “Dad!
Why would you ever say…?
Why would you even think…?”
I reply meekly,
“Well, you know,
the way the world is…”
She says,
“That’s no excuse!”
I say,
“It’s an explanation.”
I say,
“You gotta start ‘em young
so they can survive.”
She says,
“Dad! Who are you?
Where did you come from?”
I say,
“I’ve been wondering that myself.”