# The Porch
**by John L. Swainston**

If I had a porch, I would
want to sit with my grandfather,
learn to swear like a sailor and
listen to his stories.

Of sailing the oceans on
four masted ships and taking
months to return home.

Of blowing his bugle as the
horse Calvary charged,
during the Moro Rebellion in the
Philippines.

Of firing the 155mm artillery
piece during five battles in WWI.

Of the Gold he was paid
as a mercenary with
Pancho Villa’s Army.

Of his teenage bride, the
only women he ever loved.

That is what I would want to
do--if I had a porch.