Grandpa Read

fairy-wren at dusk

twilight gathers slow,
a fairy‑wren darts homewards,
soft chirps in the brush.
one by one she settles them,
until the nest grows quiet.

Ava’s Bedtime Ritual

Bath at 6:45.
Pajamas.
Then teeth.
Resistance.

“Easy way or the hard way.”
Eeeee. Ooooo. Eeeee.
Vowel sounds exposing teeth.

“Ava, who do you want to read tonight?”
“Grandpa read.”

Chosen, I settled into the chair.
Three books. No exceptions. Ava chose two.
Mr. Bell fixed Rosie after the dog chewed her.
Arthur flooded the room with kibble.
And always, the finale:
Sprinkle with Kisses, Sweet Dreams, Baby.

Her eyes heavy.

I carried her warm weight, clutching Bunny, to bed,
resting her head toward the corner.
“Grandpa loves you.”

I left smiling,
still hearing
easy way or the hard way.

What quiet ritual said “I love you” in your home?