Caren Krutsinger Poet Narrative

Stranger Grandpa

He’s somebody’s grandpa I bet, we all said.
He had wandered into our family reunion around nine.
Grandma rolled her eyes and set him in front of the TV.

He smelled like chew, his flannel shirt was a bit wrinkled.
He was unkempt but clean, a relative maybe?
No one knew, but we kept our opinions to ourselves.

He lit up a stogie and watched the news past our heads.
Grandma brought him a tray with bacon, eggs and two piece of toast.
As she turned to go he gave her a playful pat on her petootsie ootsie.

We young ones laughed; earning sharp looks from our parents.
We never did find out who the guy was, but figured he was an Iowan. 
This was 1962, when children did not know the ways of grownups.

I have never forgotten the pat on grandma’s petootsie ootsie
Or the way the old dude’s face lit up when he looked at me and grinned.
I pegged him as Granddaddy’s replacement, but never saw him again.

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Indiana Shaw February 10, 2021 at 7:49 AM What a picture you paint, Caren, and all from your imagination, but; if you had never told, you could never have telled. ; ) Caren Krutsinger February 10, 2021 at 10:53 AM Trueenough

Andrea Dietrich February 5, 2021 at 2:39 PM Oh, you had me fooled. I was gonna say, what a weird story and memory and then I saw your comment to Akkina. Great job! Caren Krutsinger February 5, 2021 at 6:24 PM Thank you Andrea. It was totally made up.

Akkina Downing February 4, 2021 at 8:47 PM Awe, Caren, how sweet that you still remembered it. You may not knew him but clearly your granny did know him. Some memories are too sweet to forget :) Caren Krutsinger February 5, 2021 at 12:55 AM Hahaha It was total fabrication. My grandmothers and great grandmothers would all be horrified if they knew I wrote this.

Alexis Y. February 4, 2021 at 6:39 PM Hi Caren, You may not have known who he was, but it's clear that your grandmother most definitely knew. I enjoyed the read. Have a good evening:-) Alexis Caren Krutsinger February 5, 2021 at 12:55 AM Thank you Alexis for liking this one. It was so much fun to write!