If my grandfather, Obert O. Coleman, were still alive, we would be celebrating his 97th birthday on this Monday, the 2nd of July. Grandpa was a quiet man, a fair man & a compassionate man. He was a man who would never back down from a conflict as long as he thought the cause was right. The following is my attempt at a rhyming dedication: Grandpa didn't say much But when he did nobody stirred 'Cause he said more than most folk When he didn't say a word He hammered for a living Raised some cattle, crops & kids Each grew beyond expectations You expected such for what Grandpa did He drank his coffee from a saucer His whiskey from a flask hidden in his hand He smoked Salem menthols & chewed the Mail Pouch brand He drove a Ford tractor & an old Model T But did his courting on horseback I am told Grandma rode "side saddle" in his arms Closed her eyes & dreamed about a band of gold He'd sing me a song about "Lin's Creek Mountain" And some of Jimmie Rodgers' blues I may have only been knee high at the time But on his lap I was 6 feet 2 He'd take me for ice cream And it made me prouder than any toy When he introduced me as "his little man" 'Cause I was just a boy. He gave me my first cigarette But it wasn't lit & I didn't smoke It was just his way of letting me run ornery When Mom, Aunt & Grandma wanted to choke He loved the game of boxing Jack Dempsey was his man But Grandpa loved to tell the story Of how Joe Louis fought Schmeling of the Nazi land Many people came to hear the fight Sandwiches, cold drinks & a Truetone radio But two minutes into the match it was over Max was on the canvas & it was time to go He taught me about a work ethic If you give 8 hours work for 8 hours pay When you look in the mirror for your morning shave You'll be more than ready to start another day The tears on my face are salty They fall for the "salt of the land" But has it been that long Since they were wiped away by Grandpa's sturdy hand? It's a travesty that his hammer no longer pounds the nails Or that the humming of his electric saw can not be heard Emphysema slowly smothered & finally silenced Grandpa Who said more than most folk when he didn't say a word Happy birthday Grandpa! We sure miss you! Sincerely, Mike Peters [email protected]