For Grandpa Boat
Whenever I see a boat,
I think of you.
I am taken back to summer
days on the water,
I think of Minnesota.
I smell sunscreen and
wet carpet on the houseboat.
I think of my grandmother’s presence,
her ability to make everyone
feel at home even when
on the river.
I think of your black poodle
Domie running around.
I think of jumping off the boat,
cold water, golden sand,
old music, and laughter
with my cousins.
I think of Florida,
night swims, pool toys,
heavy heavy humidity.
I think of orange juice
you would have ever morning
while reading the newspaper.
I think of old movies.
I think of family trips
and game nights and drinking,
feeling overwhelmed by
so much summer sun.
I think of sunsets on the water
and swimming in the ocean.
I think of tubing, hanging on
while dad drove the boat,
enjoying the silence that came
along with flying along the water.
I think of the only time
I ever ate crème brûlée.
I think of karaoke,
singing my aunts favorite
song from her childhood.
Sweet Caroline…
Kelly Severseike 