The First Grandchild

He hadn't noticed, didn't feel –
when did he get old?
Blinded by ambition,
he didn't see his children grow
or notice them fledge.
Now,
unexpectedly shy he bends to look,
adjusting his bi-focals.

Unblemished eyes gaze into his
with wisdom he wishes for.
Fingers, small and untried
with nails like new born shells
curl round his antique thumb.

Still for a moment
wondering at the unfamiliar,
then finds other brighter shapes
in this intriguing world.

"Hold her, Dad. She won't break."

Oh! But she might.

Too precious,
too fragile to face the dragons that wait.
He vows to protect this tiny life
with his well used one.