By Luwela Esube, Congo
International Institute of Akron & Project Learn
My grandfather
whose stories were large
like a tree’s shadow
under which many people
could rest
who walked slowly like a turtle
reflecting kindness
who was over one hundred
and like a precious suitcase
contained wealthy things
whose heart was open
like a flower
on which bees could land
to collect pollen
whose voice was like honey
my grandfather
whose life was a mirror to me