I knew nothing of the steel trap Grandfather placed inside the crib. We climbed the ladder-steps and I, While he unlatched the heavy door, Wondered who was the creature thief. We entered, rustling dry corn shucks, Then glint of steel in morning sun Flashed bright and I could see the mass Of crumpled man upon the floor. I whirled and buried my whole face Inside grandfather�s big old coat, But I could still see grizzled jaws Grasping his leg and smell the blood. I coughed and turned to fly-my-feet As grandfather said, �Run tell Nan To heat water and tear bed sheets.� Soon there he came carrying that man Across his shoulders to the porch. When the wounds were dressed, grandfather Called, �Come Rena, meet Mister Jones� The father of your school friend, Jean. �Nan�, he said, �Send cornmeal and flour plus some bacon and honey.� Arriving, we met quiet, troubled eyes. Jean twisted her dress, Mrs. Jones Kept hand-brushing her hair, and I Tried hard to smile waving goodbye. As we rode home, Dan�s clip-clop rhythm Bounced the top fringe of the surrey And I moved closer to my grandfather. |