Student Poem of the Month — September 2006
 

 
My Grandfather   © by   Ben Gardner

Whenever I walk in his back door,
I smell coffee beans burning in water.
He nibbles a buttered biscuit
and slurps burnt, black coffee.
I smell sweet and bitter
On the air, hear his heavy
Breathing, wonder why he wears
A crisp, collared shirt
Even if it isn't Sunday.

Previously published in the North Carolina Poetry Society's
Pinesong: Awards 2006. Used with permission of the Poet.
NOTICE: The copyright © for this poem belongs to the Poet.