Skipping Stones

by Wayne Scheer

I showed my grandson
how to skip stones today,
three, four, five
hops along the pond.

I explained how he needs
to sidearm a smooth stone,
holding his arm parallel
to the water's surface.

Just two or three skips,
and he shouted, "Yes!"
Four or more and he cheered,
like I was Superman.

He's ten, and easily impressed.
I remember when his father
stood amazed at my prowess,
and I at my father's.

It won't last much longer,
this adulation.
He's already mastered
the two-skip,

Once he skips four
I'll lose my super cape
And he'll nod politely
At my limited skills.