The Lookout

I changed dad to "granddad" in this poem because I wanted to communicate age and make the poem more generic and timeless. However, as you can see in the picture, dad truly does ride the streets of Sac City.

The Lookout

Old men like to be of use.

Just having ready opinions

at Kathy’s Korner Café doesn’t satisfy.

So when granddad rides his bike

with us as we walk the streets

of Sac City, population 3000,

he’s our ever-vigilant lookout.

“Three cars on the left,” he calls.

Every corner, every road,

his eyes search the distance looking

for danger as we walk in the streets

of this three dog town. “Wait!”

Granddad spies a car turning

onto our street five blocks away.

Even walking, we benefit from mirrors,

huge glass reflectors on his handle bars.

He announces all traffic—coming, going,

of either lane. Not much happening

in this small Iowa town. But he rides

along with us, enjoying the breeze,

the crisp air, landscape and foliage,

and keeping his loved ones safe.