On a Winter Afternoon

A tug on his sleeve interrupted a mild siesta

 jerking him awake from the comfort of his warm bed 

"Come grandpa! Let's make a beautiful snowman

with a cigar in his mouth!" yelled the little one excitedly 

Grandpa , wasn't sharing his excitement

what with the little aches, spasms worsening in winter 

he pulled the blanket over his head, stalling action 

like the times when mother woke him in childhood !

The persistent, mean , grandson always had his way! 

soon grandpa and grandson were on the front yard  

working away in mid afternoon to create

the best snowman in the neighbourhood! 

Grandson motivated his elder, promising him

hot beverages and cookies, soon after job is done. 

It's been like this for some time now

ever since the arrival of the little one- all of 4 years now! 

Grandpa was diverted from aches and pains  

to living in the present moment, being active 

Even on cold  wintry days, always reminded

to buck up, since spring is just around the corner!    

NB:  This poem was written for the Yercaud Poetry Fest anthology "Winterful Whispers" and recited during the physical meet at Royal Orchid hotel, Brindavan Gardens Mysore on 7th January 2024