The tears were automatic, a free flow
Remnant of a memory from long ago
Held at bay with pain and time, tired ties
Release a pressure pump now seeping out my eyes

No excuse but this: the man smelled like my grandpa
Grease and stale cigarette smoke gnawed
At my nose, should be unpleasant
But instead brought forgotten feelings to present

When the man smiled, his face became older, dearer
He now had big blue eyes, my own a mirror
And he looked so healthy, on the mend
Just as he was - before dialysis, before the end

Then those eyes whispered hello again
And through tears, mine sighed: I miss you Grandpa Ken