Brown polished wood tiny cupped
in grandad’s big hands, the bowl almost
dwarfed by his thumb, his fingers
in the plastic pouch turning the loose
shredded tobacco before he tamps it in.
Holds a lit match, moves it around, chars
the surface, puffs gently. Takes 3-5 shallow, steady puffs while moving the flame,
so tobacco puffs up .
Lets flame go out, tampers again,
presses down the puffed tobacco.
Flames it again, puffs gently as before,
until whole top layer is lit, glows evenly,
Takes a few slow, steady puffs
ensures it stays lit, removes the flame.
His memory went out like his pipe.
We cremated grandad.
