Swagger stick.(Brief Article)(Poem)

 
Swagger Stick 
 
after a photograph of my great-grandfather 
 
He looks like someone you know you should know: 
barrel-bellied, chest puffed round like a grouse, 
chin jutting as if to balance a crown. 
Even in this dog-eared and foxed photo, 
 
creased from years in my grandfather's wallet, 
his gold watch-fob swoops like practiced quill script, 
and he leans on a studded swagger stick. 
Strolling sidewalks, he always looked perfect, 
 
but (look close) that chain was plated steel, fastened 
to his empty vestpocket. Hold this cane; 
you'll see it's an old pool cue, sawed off wrong, 
 
a pirate's peg-leg, rigged with brass buttons. 
I'll keep it. I too am headstrong and vain 
and need …