it was my grandfather

it was my grandfather
who taught me to throw
and to catch
in his backyard
in the summer grass
it was him who taught me
not to close my eyes
as the ball approached
and to squeeze my mitt
when the seems encroached
it was my grandfather
who taught me patience
fishing on the lake
at the cottage
even taught me to enjoy the wait
it was him who taught me
how to drive that boat
how to dock her
tie her up
and keep her safe