Grandfather

My youngest son who is in high school now! 

 Grandfather

It's the freedom of childhood,

raised high, secure,

knowing Grandfather won't let go;

playing "I Spy" when laughter erupts.

It's horizons, youthful and old,

merging, finding common goals.

Beneath necklaced peaks of yellow gold

   and sunset clouds of Touraine blue,

'long old black bears trail

resides gossamer lit havens and veiled vaults,

glimpses of time begun,

viewed upon swaying bridge.

Trading preconceived notions

of boring, for adventure tapped

when living begins.

Remnants, delicately interwoven

amidst folds and cracks layered ancient:

triumphs, tragedies, truthful tales

of character and struggle

along hidden, well-worn paths,

beneath blood-red sourwoods 

and pumpkin-hued beech.

It's finding joy in each other,

guidance along rocky paths,

a safe place to rest one's head;

of wisdom shared

and shoulders strong.

by Margaret Bednar, December 14, 2022

Playing along with "Girlie on the Edge's Thursday Six Senctence Story". Word is VAULT. 

I used to live in Boone, NC where Grandfather Mountain is a destination for locals and tourists.  We climbed parts of it many times. 

Grandfather Bednar passed away, but he was full of life and love.  He was very important in our lives and my children adored him.  He had a love and personality as big as a mountain.

Grandfather Mountain's original Cherokee name was "Tanawha" meaning fabulous hawk or eagle.  It is steeped in Native American lore.  HISTORY about Grandfather can be read HERE.