bingo bango.

Oh Grandpa, how we loved to laugh

at the little things you'd do -

napkin tucked into your collar,

Equal always at hand

for that "strong potato flavor".

Clotheslines strung in minivans,

causing questions at borders.

Numbering the orchard blocks

and shaving while you walked.

Do you remember when Robert and I

stole your cart and tried to make it a car?

Or how mad you'd get

when you caught us peeling the birch tree?

And Grandpa, when we played Rummikub,

you'd impatiently urge us to hurry

then take your time at your turn.

Sneaking a cookie when I decorated with Gram,

I'd take out a snack to your studio.

Watching the slow, patient brush strokes

as your created life on the canvas.

You'd make me show off my latest piano piece

and you'd show off too -

the latest piece you'd composed.

How you'd beam with pride at our recitals!

Planting a hard, whiskery kiss on our cheeks.

On birthdays and at Christmas,

a harmonica has never sounded as sweet.

Always around the farm,

you'd come over and help me pick peaches.

Driving tractor, I'd climb up

To bring you a cup of water.

And when I was old enough to drive,

you flagged me down at the end of the field

to give me a frozen Snickers.

Picnics at the pond, where you sat

quietly watching the ones you loved.

A family so loud, so proud.

So beautiful, so bickering, so full.

As the old tree in the yard lost branches,

you nailed planks in their place

so your grandkids could still play.

Bingo bango, bingo bango...

Oh Grandpa, we love you.

.

in loving memory of

Grandpa Bannister

December 31, 1918 - August 31, 2011