Charlie Minter - a poem by Mike Shoemaker

Charlie Minter

He wears a white shirt
His short sleeves are rolled tight
In his pocket there’s always something
To give a grandchild delight

His trait is determination
It’s as strong as Old Man Winter’s
Though he’s been called lots of names
We call him Charlie Minter

He likes things to be simple
But things are often not
He wonders if there’s a tool made
To fix all the problems he’s got

Fishin’ is a way to relax
He like’s “puttin’ in” the boat
But the maintenance makes him put out
It’s stressful keeping the boat afloat

Charlie’s a major stockholder
In a beer called “Milwaukee’s Best”
It took only half a lifetime
To pass the room temperature test

Whether it’s electronics or changing oil
He’s always in a working mood
He stops only to read the newspaper
Or to savor fine fried food

Those who know Charlie Minter
Have seen his warm eyes flicker
To those who don’t know him: Beware!
He’s been known to bicker!