Thoughts Today

I’m having thoughts today

of my Greek grandfather,

George, a dapper man, long

since passed away.

In the morning, after a shower

and shave, he splashes on a

modest dose of Old Spice

aftershave.

I imagine him standing in front

of his bedroom mirror as he

puts on and buttons his freshly

starched white shirt.

Then he loops the perfect Windsor

knot into his blue stripped tie,

shifting it back and forth and into

the perfect position.

He slips one arm and then the

other into his neatly pressed

seersucker suit, fastens the

middle button, and gives a

shrug of the shoulders and

a tug at the tail.

He picks a red carnation from

the vase on the dresser and

inserts it into the jacket lapel.

Then he dons his wide-brimmed

straw Panama, cocks it slightly

to the left, just so.

He slips his wallet, keys and

change from the dresser top

into his pockets.

A broad smile of reassurance

that everything is aligned and

accurately in place.

The proper man doesn’t look

this way by accident. No sir,

To please the ladies and

impress the men, one must

plan and organize such a

class act in a methodical and

fashionable way.

And judging by the looks

of things, it's going to be

another great day.

A genial doff of the hat,

one last stylish grin in the

mirror, and out the door.

Grandpa is on his way.

              -30-

Chris Hanch 7-10-2020