I see you
heart-crooked angry
because
the biggest battle you fought that day
was with the rose bush
planted after your second wife died
and
that dumb kid at the cafe
spilled water on you
you were a mechanic
your hands trembled
that’s why the thorn cut you

grandfather, I was only 9
but I would try now to impress
those tremors
give way
to reanimation
recreation
if you know the truth

Lord, why didn’t you save him?
Did you save him?
I was 9 years old
You have my attention