Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Granddaddy






Hugh David Arant:
a son of the Living God,
to which a life well-lived
upon this earthly, trodden ground
can be easily claimed.

A warrior-poet was he,
as courage and determination
met kindness in his heart,
inspiring many to live
simply, purposely, at ease.

“My cup runneth over”
would he say in the presence
of family. A faithful husband,
good father, grandfather &
great-grandfather; loved by all

not easily swayed by frivolous
distractions but steady in
his love for reading, learning,
adventuring & serving.
always time for a cup of tea.

whether around the world or home in Dallas,
it was his bride Lannie
(best-friend & lover
& sweet wife of 69 years), who always
propelled him to live life in full.

stories, for sharing and hearing:
a favorite pastime. often while holding a hot
cup of Lipton, unsweetened,
staining his mug that no one would
wash without permission, but reheated often

children’s books we read together,
once bathed after hot, sweaty days.
The “cleanest and the sweetest”
snuggled on his lap before bed;
Title, Author, Story, and a kiss goodnight

He taught me how to be a good Texan,
singing: “I’m a Tex, I’m a Tex, I’m a Texas star,
straight from the prairie
where the broncos are…”
receiving smiles of approval.

Collector: of stamps, tea-tags,
books and hugs.
A man who loved history
for its wisdom and maps for
their function (or beauty, I cannot be sure)

Every new morning carried
a song of certain routine.
Delighting in orange juice, toast
(covered crust to crust with grape jelly,
sugar-free), oatmeal and tea

Devotions with Mimmie
were never skipped or forgotten.
“The Upper Room,” Scripture, and prayer;
always and only praying
with a thankful heart, humble tone

Generous and free with the “things”
he had, aware of reality which passes
visibility, making things less important,
and relationships key.
Explore the library, take your favorite book.

Tracking rainfall,  every ¼ inch important;
savoring car mints, all the way to church.
He taught me how to shoot a
bow and arrow;
we caught lizards, explored creeks.

Our last time together was a beautiful weekend
15 months ago. We shared stories & quiet moments,
counted blessings and little delights.
Visiting with Mimmie, our dear.
Togetherness was all that mattered.

An outing to Tom Thumb, buying cantaloupe
with a twinkle in his eye,
Once home we sliced the fruit together:
Juice dripped. Sticky hands.
Happily we ate, every last bit

Granddaddy, to God I give thanks for you.
You taught me how to love the little things &
be an adventurer, always firmly
grounded in faith and truth and love.
“My cup runneth over.”

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