Grandpa Mings

He is sitting on the
Porch of the house
On North Anna Street,
We the grandkids are
All around him the
Youngest on his knees.
He wears a string T-shirt
In the summer heat and
Tells us of the big snake
That slid between the
Fence slats to gulp a
Chicken then could not
Slide out with the
Chicken bulging the
Snake’s stomach
Patting his tummy.
As he tells the story
His long arms slide
Under our arms tickling
As though the snake,
His face changing
Expression to match
Each part of the story.
His arm would slide over
Your shoulder across your
Stomach then around
Your waist as we giggled
Wriggled jumped
And laughed trying to
Escape the snake’s coils.
His laugh was long
Though not too loud and
He was careful not to
Step on our small feet
Far below his six foot
Plus height towering
Above us as we
Moved to Grandma’s
Call to supper.
He loved kids,
Kind as summer,
Wise as winter.
He led and others
Followed.