Grandpa

The old man sat with eyes closed, dozing in his chair
Until a little voice he heard say “Grandpa, are you there”.

He gazed upon a little boy while waking from his nap
Then reached down with a sweeping move and placed him in his lap

The child was carrying a book that he wanted him to see
He held it up and  asked him “Grandpa, will you read to me”?

The old man cleaned his glasses then opened up the book
And suddenly the two of them a wonderous journey took

They ventured lands so far away, sailed seas not sailed before
Met knights and kings and wizards on every distant shore.

Together they fought dragons, saved damsels in distress
Freeing lands of monsters and the treasures they possess

When the old man closed the cover to end their magic ride
He told the boy “We're much like books, what's important is inside”.

But one day when the boy arrived and rushed to Grandpas chair
Much to his disappointment, his Grandpa was not there

He ran to find his mother for surely she would know
Why the chair was empty, where did his Grandpa go

She sat him down and asked him if he remembered in each book
The adventures and the journeys that he and Grandpa took

He took you there to show you the things that you can find
The wonders that are yours to see if you open up your mind.

But he still walks beside you in the stories you have read
You're not left to go alone, he’s just gone on ahead

The child then went and chose a book and climbed up in the chair
And opening up the cover whispered “Grandpa, are you there”?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
Narain Avatar
June 25, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Great classic poem.
Venkataraman Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 4:27 AM
Very clear with no ambiguity or any bombastic words to confuse the mind. The poet has in fact written a short philosophical story through a lovely poem. Heart feels damn sorry over the empty chair. I can call this poem as an- "Ode to Grandpa!
Ray Avatar
April 8, 2022 at 1:59 PM
no better way to fill in the gap than walk one thru the treasures of memory, excellent execution, and vivid lines...great poem, thank you
Chunn Avatar
January 17, 2022 at 9:35 AM
This is one of my favorites. Thank you Bob, for this work. Poetry at it's best.
Cummings Avatar
November 2, 2021 at 7:16 AM
I love this poem. Warm, energetic, fun and comforting. Very well done.
Gutmacher Avatar
May 31, 2020 at 4:37 PM
Wow! Quite a poem. Incredible inspiration. I write narrative poems, as well. If you have time, take a look at The Yellow Ribbon. I think you'll appreciate it in the same way I loved yours.
Darnell Sr Avatar
January 5, 2020 at 2:51 AM
Great poem writing Bob. I am a grandpa myself and have one named Grandpa. Made me think of my grandchildren, thank you. Well penned definitely. Best Wishes, William
Gauthier Avatar
October 28, 2019 at 4:40 PM
Wow - what an awesome poem and what exquisite penning, Bob. A FAVE for me.
De Beaulieu Avatar
February 22, 2019 at 6:49 PM
Hello Bob Quigely, I had some tears rolling from my eyes as i read this poem. Have a nice evening my friend.
Kinch  Avatar
January 21, 2017 at 3:31 PM
I love this.
A   Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 2:05 PM
thank you for the comment on my comment.. how nice..Linda
Duncan Avatar
May 27, 2014 at 10:08 PM
I simply love the way you wrote this, I shall have to go thru all your poems :) Congrats on your win ! going to favs and reading to my 7 yr old granddaughter , Have an awesome day !
Quigley Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 9:22 AM
So glad you enjoyed Debbie. Thank you
A   Avatar
May 1, 2014 at 9:13 AM
Bob, heart stopping. Please to read this morning.... Linda
Quigley Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 9:22 AM
Thank you Linda
Eastman Avatar
December 17, 2013 at 8:27 AM
Congratulations on a fine win... and for winning my heart with this one!
Quigley Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 9:22 AM
I appreciate that Carol
Prabhu Avatar
February 2, 2012 at 7:40 AM
very emotional one...congrats on your fine win Bob.
Quigley Avatar
February 2, 2012 at 7:59 AM
Thank you Sashi
Boyle Avatar
February 1, 2012 at 12:59 PM
Well done Bob...Homespun, simple and highly readable...a gem! Bea
Quigley Avatar
February 1, 2012 at 1:22 PM
Thank Bea. Appreciate your comments.
Macfarlane Avatar
February 1, 2012 at 9:40 AM
You sure know how to pull on the emotional strings Bob, it brought tears to my eyes.....it was beautiful. Congrats on your win!
Quigley Avatar
February 1, 2012 at 9:49 AM
Thanks very much Cecilia. I'm glad you liked it.
Merryman Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 2:35 PM
Absolutely wonderful, Bob. It brought tears to my eyes. Congrats on a well deserved 1st place win! Love, Kim
Quigley Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 5:16 PM
Thank you Kim. I've been told that this one should come with a box of kleenex.
Brown Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Congratulations on your super win today in Susan's "Little Viewed Jewels" contest Bob. Love, Carol
Quigley Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Thanks much Carol
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Lovely bob, a deserving win Congratulations x
Quigley Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Thanks Mandy
Taylor Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 9:54 AM
Congrats, Bob. Truely outstanding piece. Well written, well deserved First place. Now one of my favorite poems. Kudos to you, my friend. So touching and warm! All the best to you and yours. Ralph
Quigley Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 10:16 AM
Thanks so much for your kind comments Ralph. I very much appreciate them.
Scholtz Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 9:34 AM
This is an amazing and wonderful poem, I just love it, congratulations on this well deserved win Bob, I will add this to my fav. Elizabeth
Quigley Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 9:45 AM
Thank you Elizabeth. I appreciate that
Richards Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 9:30 AM
So heartwarming, and reminds me of my own grandfather, and the cherished moments we shared. What a lovely poem!
Quigley Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 9:46 AM
Thank you Carrie
Williams Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 9:20 AM
Bob I genuinely found this wonderful, writing at it's absolute best, thanks for your comments, we both had the same theme, wonder does that tell us anything about how we felt about our grandfathers..David
Quigley Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 9:46 AM
I suspect it does. Thanks for your comments David
Sweetheart Avatar
January 31, 2012 at 8:54 AM
congrats Bob on a splendid first place win for this terrific write luv..
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