Marina Griner

Now, they are wrinkles of joy

As his grandson says his first word.

But before,

What seems like ages ago

They were wrinkles of pain.

Wrinkles of sadness and difficulties.

Wrinkles of hunger.

Russia.

Father jailed.

Mother sick.

Family starving.

Communism.

But he survived.

Forming a new life for his loved ones.

He has risen.

Nothing can stop him.

Always offering kind words in broken English

Extending both arms in love,

Both shoulders to cry on.

Spoiling his grandchildren.

Well-deserved happiness

America.

But enough with these sentimental thoughts,

For his grandson just said his first word.