I’ve Got Poppy’s Chair! As my Husband, Steve and I are sitting in our den relaxing after a long day’s work, I see that Steve has been writing as hard as he can.  I also noticed the same thing last night, but I just thought he had brought work home, which isn’t unusual.  But when I asked, he said he had just finished writing a poem about a little game he and our grandson, Lucas play everytime Lucas visits with his Mom, Dad, and baby sister, Ava.

You see, Steve is a phenominal writer, everyone wants a poem for their birthday, special occasion, or just no occasion as all.  But he is really good.  It would be nice if he could retire from his Engineering job, and delve into this as a second career – I think that would be so exciting for him.

Reading this poem brought tears to my eyes, and my hubby’s also.  I just though you might like to hear it.

I’VE GOT POPPY’S CHAIR!

The door barely opens and he’s in on the run,

Before the first greetings have even begun.

He’s wearing a big grin as he quickly zips by,

Barely slowing, he turns to catch his Poppy’s eye.

The game is on and they both are aware

That for the next few moments, the prize is…a chair.

Not just any chair, mind you, it has to be Poppy’s

Later he’ll be intrigued with sports and jalopies.

But today, at this time, make no mistake,

Lucas is competing, my seat to take.

He races to gain the first advantage

With another chair, Poppy will have to manage.

For a few moments, these two simply have no cares,

As the game evolves into musical chairs.

Lucas scores first, diving into my recliner,

Now it’s time to switch places…to swap our behinders.

Laughing, giggling, all the while through

(that’s me – but I see he’s enjoying this, too!)

Perhaps he’ll eventually wind up in my lap

Where not too long ago, I held his pap.

But today, it’s just us two running around.

Him taking what’s mine; me, pretending to frown.

One day this game will give way to other pursuits

Like bicycles, skateboards or books by Dr. Seuss.

But the “Poppy’s Chair” game will always remain,

Indelibly, lovingly, imprinted on my brain.

Played often, it’s fun and quite a cardio workout.

It pays “divi-grins” and helps keep me stout.

It strengthens the bond of grandfather-grandson

To see that boy smile has become my “job one”.

When “I’ve got Poppy’s chair!” resounds in my ear,

It means something much more than a game around here.

Lucas may never know that from the very start,

He could have had my chair…’cause he already had my heart.

Steve “Poppy” Alexander (Copywright, 2008)

October 23, 2008