aja

a better man there never was

to hold our hand when we stumbled and fell

valor and honor were at his core

a gentle word for our troubled souls

to soothe and comfort us through the darkest despair

twinkle twinkle went the gleam in his eye

and the swell in his chest with the pride he felt

at the clan of grandkids that cherished him so

that would clamour for success and honor

that he willed us to achieve

a braver man there never was

a stalwart legend that inspired us all

to be good and do good and live in peace

was the simple motto he embodied

until he was no more

his stark absence leaves a void

so deep and sharp with aching heart

but with the absence a thought lives on

of a great man a mentor and a friend

and a smile so true as it reached the edge of his eyes

a better man there never was

a braver man ther never was

but a legacy shall indeed remain

to respect and love and cherish and honor

as we think of our granddad everyday