As my father lays in intensive care,
I worry on infirmities that bring him there.
In my minds eye I see him as he was,
and I muse at all the things that age does.
I soberly ponder the things I haven’t said,
as my father’s life hangs by a thread.
Male bravado has choked my heart,
from sharing the feelings I should impart.
My words seem to lodge in my throat;
this verbal road block really gets my goat.
I love him more then words can express;
my ability to display this love is a mess.
>From the time that I was a very young lad,
I’ve always idolized my dear old dad.
In his youth he was like a Greek God,
he conveyed strength wherever he trod.
He is the hardest worker I’ve ever seen,
he was tough as nails, strong, and lean.
Dad’s not a man of power of wealth,
but he had an inner confidence of himself.
This has allowed him to walk alone,
down paths that would make others groan.
Dad has always blazed his own trail;
his inner courage never seemed to fail.
When the chips were down he did not ask why,
he never took the time to cry.
Dad was never the kind of man to shirk,
from anything that could be called work.
Dad was as strong as a mighty oak tree;
he showed me what a man should be.
He was never afraid to bend his back,
he never cut himself one ounce of slack.
Working at his side changed my life;
it has prepared me for adversity and strife.
The lesions he taught are firmly planted,
a part of my nature I take for granted.
When I want to coast for a little bit,
I think of what dad said when I would sit.
Son the work will not finish itself,
and shirkers are never endowed with wealth.
While at his side I learned of integrity,
dad would say honesty will keep you free.
His love was given by deeds that uplifted,
as a craftsman he was truly gifted.
By the sweat of his brow he worked each day,
very seldom taking time to play.
It’s hard to express the limits of my affection,
as I sit in personal reflection.
The source of my love has so many reasons;
I have loved him for so many seasons.
The path he set me on still holds true,
dad someday I hope to be half the man as you.
Your love gives me hope in things to come;
I know the good fight can be won.
As each season makes me older,
it’s easier to share my love a bit bolder.
Dad I declare I love you for all to hear,
and I know I always will so never fear. |
