Ode to Grandfathers

The quiet strength of the Grandfather — the Opa,

As he sits with your children, young and still untainted by the world,

Is a sight to behold to the young parent-observer.

Original photo by Gerardine Hoogland.

They are strong as the ancient tree with roots running deep into the earth,

Mighty as Olympus from where the gods watch while we grow and fumble through our lives.

Immovable you are; unshaken by the world as it has become

From years of toil and challenges of your own.

Your depth of wisdom runs deep,

Guided by your intuition, commitment and perseverence.

Honoured in old age because you have earned it in life —

Reminiscent of how the Spartans showed respect for their elders:

“While the games were being held at Olympia, an old man was desirous of seeing them, but could find no seat. As he went to place after place, he met with insults and jeers, and nobody made room for him. But when he came opposite the Spartans, all the boys and many of the men arose and yielded their places.⁠ Whereupon the assembled multitude of Greeks expressed their approbation of the custom by applause, and commended the action beyond measure; but old man, shaking and with tears in his eyes, said, "Alas for the evil days! Because all the Greeks know what is right and fair, but the Spartans alone practise it.” (Plutarch, Moralia)

Your example to the young echoes from a past now long gone,

Yet shines through as you sit with loving hands and warmth in your eyes.

The Opa, the figure of endurance the young ones look to,

Is irreplaceable,

And will live on in our memories until we are all called Home.

(This is a personal reflection of my husband’s father, and is my original composition, excluding the quote from Plutarch).