Like a grandfather
It watches over
Deciduous whiskers
Cover his rocky face
They took his open hand
Trusting his age-old trails
They would be home for dinner
He would show the way
Like a grandfather
Here before they were born
An unfaultering presence
Reliable
So where are they now?
- Those who were summoned
Expecting to find refuge
And comfort in his bosom
What did they find instead?
- Those who did not return
Like a great grandfather
Feeble with age
Perhaps forgetful
They never came out of the woods
It swallowed them whole
Grandfather mountain sits on his rocker
And can't tell a soul.