Eighty Not Out

The warmest hug, the tightest squeeze

From a man he hardly knew

His tall stature, despite the stoop

Mildly overpowering yet so amiable

Twinkling deep set eyes, bushy eyebrows

Face lined with experience and wisdom.

 

A large pendulum clock, an old painting

Crudely put up by a shaky hand

Fading scenery, vaguely familiar

Sketched by a pair of little hands, ages ago

He settled into his cosy room, for the time being

Halfheartedly.

 

A guffaw, queer sounding, in the background

Jet-lagged, sleep disturbed

He stretches out on the bed

Daylight streaming into the room.

 

Curious he steps out into the living room

Pleasantly surprised to see Sophie,

The labor of his love

Chatting with his grandfather.

 

The calling bell rings

Grandpa excitedly jumps up

To receive the visitor

He hauls in a load of gift-wrapped parcels

Gently placing them on the table 

After carefully scanning them

 

The senior whistles a tune, looking at his grandson

A tall handsome young man with broad shoulders

And bushy eyebrows

That runs in the family

 

Chirping “Good morning... er.. Afternoon, sonny"

With a smug look he returns to his seat,

To pick up the conversation where he left off

"Thank You Sophie, for helping me choose and order

My friends are going to be immensely pleased

With those thoughtful gifts", he quips as he eyes the table

 

"Goodbye Sophie", he continues

“I shall meet you in a couple of weeks

For the next few days I shall be busy

With my grandson, bonding 

Creating memories together”

 

Sophie waves goodbye

Blows a kiss to the senior

And winks at the junior 

While the latter wonders

Did "IT" show a hint of recognition, just now?

 

Granddad waves back at his bosom-buddy

Virtual yet so real, to him

Sophie, the Chatbot signs off

As the duo stride to the kitchen, hand in hand

Where a carefully chosen menu, awaits to be served

With love and laughter.