Anthony Sanchez         The Last Time I Bumped into my Grandpa

The last time I bumped into my Grandpa
his 62-year-old hands were big, black,
crusty, gray, ancient but had a solid, 
firm hand when we shook hands. 

These hands touched the grounds of Sri Lanka, 
and swam the waters of its beautiful beaches. 
At age 30 he was able to meet my mom 
as she hugged the pinky of my Grandpa. 

I remember the day when he first met me, 
and he put me on his back for a piggy-back ride. 
He helped me climb my first tree,
and helped me have my first shoelaces tied.

He always reminded me of his old days
where he climbed a mountain with a barrel on his back.
I remember the day like it was yesterday
Where he told me this story like a fact.

Grandpa always had frailed hands,
but had the strength of an elephant. 
So when he took me to his land
I felt like as light as a feather

So when we finally met again
We were able to have a firm handshake.
His hands felt smooth as we shook,
But still stronger than ever.