The Holy Name

I knew a man who’d lost his mind
but not himself apparently.
He happily sat, bemused but kind,
holding his grandchild on his knee.

You are so beautiful, he said
to her, repeating her sweet name,
while patting softly on her head
as if to play a lovers’ game.

She didn’t move but sat content
and gazed into her grandpa’s face.
She seemed to gather his intent
as he s…