One Like Her

The man in black came back

Granpa stared as if he cared about why the sun went down. Old rocker squeaking on the porch made a well-worn sound. Dog-head cane with polished grain, stood faithful at his side, His mind entwined in silence since the day his lady died.

I dared approach — his world encroach A boy of ten was I, Said, “Granpa can I sit with you?” He cast a sideward eye. “Come on son, the day’s near done, Ain’t it past your bedtime yet?” I said, “Tell me ’bout Granma and the first time that you met.”

Then Granpa sang - like Johnny Cash… He stomped his foot, his rhythm fast… Voice rich ‘n’ deep in a dog-cane mike, He sang out loud into the night…

“Morning, hey morning! I’m waiting for your light, A golden ray at break o’ day, To end this endless night. I stayed up way late drinkin’ Cause I couldn’t sleep for thinking, ‘bout a pretty girl in pink who looked so right.

Sunshine, yeah she’s mine! I’m telling all the world, That jitterbuggin’ sweet thing, is gonna be my girl. Met her on the floor last night, swung her high and held her tight, Big band blasting past midnight, Now I’m in love with her…”

Out of breath he looked my way then took me by the hand, Said, “Son if you find one like her - you’ll die a happy man.”