Welcome Back Grandpa Poem by John Sensele

Welcome back grandpa, Mike enthuses daily
As I knock off from cares of Mathematics and tares of life
Which earn Mike and family a salary with no homily
Fanfare, pomp a simple tune a grandson plays on his fife.

Welcome back grandpa, Mike says running my arms for a hug
As I enter home into a love-filled inner sanctum
Which washes away the bug
Of fatigue from my academic podium.

Welcome back grandpa, Mike smiles
Bringing a tablet for us to watch cartoons and share a laughter
As I marvel at precocious cognition developing for miles
In a little, pure heart God sent through Lizzy, my daughter.

Welcome back grandpa, Mike's routine
Blesses my days, stresses the value of family bonds
Woven through simple pleasures, through a child's din
More melodious than symphonies and sonatas hidden under banana fronds.