Checkers

If I could go back For just a day Even just a few hours I would set up the board Put each checker in it's place I would see Really see Grandpa across the table Him with his furrowed brow. I would be less concerned Less focused on winning I would relish his laugh Listen carefully to his tales Record them indelibly on my mind's eye Combining Past Present Future I would see The eccentricities of me Passed on in perpetuity His playfulness The keenness of his former mind Before the disease stole what was left behind With each play the minutes would pass I would take my time Make them last There would be questions to ask Sadly the time is gone The board has been put away It's a game I no longer play It was our special thing He left long ago On angels wings Yet one day When this Life has passed He will be there and I will ask "Set up the board It's time to play. We can take our time We have all day."