Answer:
The old man referred to in the poem "Birdfoot's Grampa" is the grandfather of the narrator, Birdfoot.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some key evidence from the poem:
- The title refers to "Birdfoot's Grampa" - indicating the old man is Birdfoot's grandfather.
- The narrator refers to the old man as "Grampa" throughout the poem, a typical grandchildren's term for their grandfather.
- The poem describes the intimate, close relationship between the narrator Birdfoot and his grandfather through their daily fishing trips together. This suggests the familial bond between grandchild and grandfather.
- Lines like "Me and Grampa down at the creek, watching that old red bobber bounce" show the narrator fishing with his grandfather, implying he is the narrator's grandpa.
- The final lines "Me and Grampa and the fishing pole....Me and Grampa like two old river mussels" use similes to compare the intimacy between the narrator and his grandfather to that of two mussels stuck together on the riverbed - further emphasizing the grandfather-grandchild relationship.
In summary, the detailed evidence makes it clear that the old man referred to throughout the poem as "Grampa" is the grandfather of the young narrator with the name Birdfoot. The poem explores the close bond between a grandchild and his beloved grandfather.