I listen and watch The words begin to fall Out of Grandpa’s mouth He breaks down the walls The wisdom he shares Moves mountains in me These burdens I can’t bear Like he can really see He says we become good At what we practice day by day I share it with my students And they take it as they may These roots run deep The lessons antique Listening to the wise Leaves us so much to keep When they’re gone that’s it Nothing left but memories I want to hold and document Each word my elders speak