When i was five i was king of the yard, and my grandfather said
I had one hell of an arm. i remember learning his split-finger
Fastball, and all the tales he would stretch with that famous
Turner charm. and by the fire pit in my old backyard, i used to
Sit transfixed by his stories. about the time him and mickey
Mantle drank all night long, spinning yarns of all their former glories.
And i remember christmas eve when i was ten and ma told grandpa
He was wasting my time. she sent him packing in the pouring
Rain; things were never quite the same after that night. but in
The package he left under the tree was a new silver wristwatch
Addressed to his favorite grandson, henry.