To My Future Grandchildren and Their Children

(and Their Children’s Children)

My grandfather died shortly after I was born
And my father passed away when he was sixty-eight
We don’t know how much time we’re given on this earth
So I’ll tell you a bit about myself now that I’m forty-eight

I’m sure you heard from your parents I was a band nerd
But when I went to college I put my music skills away
I mean I killed (not to toot my own horn) I was really good
But ignoring my passion left me dejected and vague

I majored in business wanting to make a lot of money
But the funny thing is that I never reached self-actualization
Though words were my forte and numbers made sense
Meandering through life left me in constant stagnation

Sure I loved, I laughed, I cried and hid secrets all around
I broke a few hearts and I got mine broken as well
Then I took to writing like I did when I was young
Pouring my emotions through both heaven and hell

See kids I lived through a war and then I went to battle myself
Trying to please everybody except the one who mattered most
And though I tried to keep my rage quiet I spilled on many a page
Not living to my potential made me feel I was becoming a ghost

As I got older I finally found myself and I discovered my voice
I can connect with others through verse, with reason and rhyme
Now I could gather my thoughts and figure out my purpose here
Even when the answers are enigmas that will make sense in due time

I never claim to be perfect, in fact I’m the most flawed person I know
I’ve made mistakes and paid for them dearly at whatever the cost
Life can be a cruel motherf... but it can also reward for good deeds
Believe me, I tried be a good human and found what I once lost…

I have a zest for life even though I don’t know how much time I have
I won’t take it for granted so I compose and live through these words
You’re the future I’ve dreamed so I’ll tell you before I leave this world
You’re my blessings from above, my little loves my heart is forever yours

Due to circumstance, I didn’t get a chance to know my grandfathers
Now I try to stay healthy, to live long enough to meet all of you
Just know that I already love you even though we haven’t met yet
I helped raise good kids who will be great parents with lots of love too

If you want to know me read my verses and poems way back in time
Explore the laughs, the secrets, the love old grandpa Wally left behind