Hand in Hand We Walk

"Come on, Grampy!" she said. "Let's walk."
And so we walk.
She chatters on and on about rocks, cars and lollipops,
While I cry about hard partings, missed moments, and silent longings.

Saying goodbye to granddaughters is dreadfully painful.
I was not made for "See you soon's" and "We'll Skype more" promises.
I'd rather have skipping contests in the driveway
And sandwich kisses before bedtimes.

But farewells come and grandchildren go
And I must adjust one more time
And grudgingly accept that life is a series of greetings and partings
Until we say our best hello in the Sweet By-and-By in the someday-soon's of Tomorrow.

"Come on, Michal!" I say. "Let's walk."
And so we do.
Her hand in mine and mine is hers.
Until we meet again in another place and time.