Poem: Legacy

All the things
My Grandfather could do,
and they turned him into
"A Drunk."

No one looked
Any closer
After that.

Grandfather--"A Drunk."

That is NOT the Legacy
I want to leave behind.

So when My Granddaughter was Born
I quit.

I may be the first
Grandfather
In my clan
To greet a Grandchild
Without
Alcohol on his Breath.

My Legacy?

I hope I will be
Grandfather--
A Musician,
A Healer,
A Great Cook,
A Songwriter...

Grandfather--
Guitar Collector,
BodySurfer,
Drummer,
Dreamer,
With Cool Blue Tattoos.

Grandfather--
Patient,
Kind,
Funny,
Loving,
Forgiving...

These are worthier goals to me
Than stocking my wine cellar
And blotting out my pain
With Bourbon and Indica...

Soon,
Very soon,
I will leave my Legacy
Behind...

I am getting prepared.

How do YOU
Want to be remembered?

--Pahka Dave