Grandfather Then

Grandpa hoisted me up on his hip, smiling.
I raised my arms in victory, a small gladiator
In a bright red jacket. A chilly autumn wind
Jostled its way through the back yard.

I had just won my first game of Monopoly,
Little Dog versus Hat.

He was so large then--
He towered over Grandma's morning glory fence
And was strong enough to lift me up
To pick cherries from their tree for pie-baking.

He set me down and I scooped up fallen leaves,
A damp, musty armful, an ingenuous offering
To the king of board games--
I, his faithful apprentice.

But behind us, Grandma's flowers, robbed
Of bloom by October winds,
Whispered that times change.