Grandfather's Village

In grandfather's village the people pass by

my large window on the living room side.

My sisters and I watch them pass

and then disappear through our looking glass.

Buildings square with angled eaves

provide safe shelter unconditionally.

In grandfather's village as evening draws near,

we retire to the kitchen which lies to the rear

and wait for our father to return to the nest;

there's warmth with his presence as he comes home to rest.

At night the men come to light the lamps

that twinkle like stars when seen from afar

and everyone sleeps with a blanket of hush

that quiets the body and mind's anxious rush.

Slumbering dreams bed down with the coals

not stirred until morning into flames and souls.

In grandfather's village each day is its own;

each person - a family - and each one has a home.

We hold on to each other, and to God's good grace

and wish that everyone could live in such a place.