Our Grandmother warned us not to laugh
When Granddad poured a bag of crisps
Onto a plate and attempted to eat them
With a knife and fork.
We gasped and snorted
Corking the explosion.

The telephone rang
Releasing him from his trance.
“Answer that girls.” My Nan said,
Without taking her eyes off of him.
I picked up the receiver and told her it was Tom.
Grandad looked up at Nan and then
Down at the mashed crisps on his plate.
“Tell him Grandad’s not at home.” She whispered.
Her arm was already around his shoulders
Before he dropped his head,
Sobbing into his hands.