The Tale of a Cracker Jigsaw

Crackers crack and snap, or tear,
spewing jokes (with groaning, share),
there's this and that, amusing tat,
and, of course, a paper hat.

A micro shoe-horn, frog that springs,
mini set-square, other things –
some are lost and later found
tossed away or kicked around.

Tiny jigsaw in a pack:    
now, our Grandad, leaning back,
sits and sleeps, but once excelled
at puzzles, as a man compelled.

‘Countdown’ long abandoned, books
hardly ever reads, or looks –
maybe pages hard to grip,
concentration seems to slip.

Jigsaw tentatively show,
‘Would you like to have a go?’
‘Yes, OK’; – intense absorption;
half completes, then slight direction
needed, hold them in position
– flimsy pieces float this, that way
hard to pick up, will not stay;
then at last, the goal’s accomplished:
gaudy parrot’s portrait finished!