Memories

i miss the
carefree days
when i was
a little boy

i miss grandmas kitchen
uneven floors covered
with linoleum

i miss white porcelain
black chipped corners
gas stove with smell
of old farts

i miss
doors that creaked and
wouldn’t latch
pipes that groaned

i miss the
perpetual aroma
of tomatoes
and parmesan

i miss grandpa’s
garden just out back
and
down the steps

i miss helping him in the garden making
a mess eating warm
dripping tomatoes
onion sandwiches our secret recipe

i miss the brick
barbecue hand built
nothing perfect
each row a little off

i miss his
garden like chaos
vines fruit petunias
in white pots

i miss the cold spots
in the house
the warmth of grandma’s arms
smell of Estee Lauder and Ivory Snow

i miss the calluses and
scars on grandpa’s hands
smell of cigars
and Miller beer

i miss the TV
adjusting rabbit ears to get a picture
captains clock
that was never on time

i miss the
carefree days
when i was
a little boy

when life was
simple
when i was
safe and loved

(C)2020 Raibeart Bruis