Scratchy sheets
fire ants racing
twisted oranges and blues on a patient sky
green they grow
my grandfather’s copper kisses
his amber eyes
we sit under the canopy of the florida keys
great and giant
these roots are wise
they know
of stained glass windows
and grape jelly
pits buried deep in the sand
they know of salt water
and soapy dishes
singing much too loud
they know
of thunderstorms
and whiskey in the morning
they know
of waiting
through tanned hot winters
and cool rainy summers
they know my grandfather as I do not
for I will leave
to gray skies and icebergs
with photographs stuffed in my pockets
a younger face the parrots know