grandfather clock

grandfather clock
you take me back
to our days on spring street

pipe smoke and pot roast
lawn chairs and red geraniums

house coats and hamburgers
catching fireflies in mason jars

you chime and i hear childhood
your tick-tock helps me remember

my grandfather
wise
steady
humble
a quiet constant

your song breaking forth
i close my eyes
and imagine he’s listening, too

grandfather clock
you take me back
to our days on spring street

i took you with me
new home, new street
where you watch childhood anew