I Understand, a Poem For Granddad

I understand, Each time you held our little hands, How lucky we were and yet, Such moments that glow midst the hearts swirling core, Are the easiest to forget. I understand, When you wrapped us in blankets,so tight. Rocking us patiently, deep in the night, Knowing that someday you wouldn't be there, The sad, silent witness of our nightly prayers. I understand, Every Christmas,snowed cold on your pride, For the tinsel and toys that you couldn't provide. Unscathed by deprival, in ignorance, blessed, We learned Dickens and Yeats and loved Busby and Best. In grief, at last, I understand, You'd never hold MY children's hands, But through times passage, comfort brings, To know they sleep 'neath Angels wings.