One Picture

You know, I've but one picture on my wall

That of my Grandmother

Who I never met at all

You don't see people like her today

No hunch of shoulder

No looking away

Original Sin she didn't know

No sign of guilt or shame

Even remotely show

She has unabashed open pride
Confidence in life
She doesn't hide

Determination is in her eyes
She could do anything

That's no surprise

Cause I've but one picture on my wall

That of my Grandmother

Who I never met at all

Yet I know her better than those

Who have bent my ear

With verse and prose

I've spent a lot of time under her gaze
She's kept me going

Throughout these days

None of which were as tough I'm sure

As those she met boldly
And did endure

I can see she is ready to laugh
The joke being on her

Or on her behalf

Gaiety is there ready to appear
Waiting to burst forth
With hearty cheer

She could dance with the best I'm told

Waltz or polka,

Slow or bold

I wish I could ask the next dance
(That I could keep up 

I'd have to chance)

And at the end I'd say thank you
For more than the turn

But for all you do

For all you've done by being there

To show me the way

That I might dare

For I've but one picture on my wall

That of my Grandmother
Who I'll never meet at all


- Lyle