” I’LL ALWAYS BE YOUR DAD.”

Daddy, can you hear me singing,                         

All the songs you sang to me,

As we walked the hills and meadows

In the state of Tennessee?

 

Can you see me hold a rifle,

Like you said, “So carefully,”

As I walk the streets of Bagdad

And drop to a trembling knee?

 

Can you smell the Honeysuckle                       

That filled the air in June,

As we sat on the back porch

And we both strummed a tune?

 

Do you remember all the lessons                       

You took the time to make me learn:

How to be a man of courage,

And be kind when I am stern?

 

How to keep moving forward

When I’m tired and want to quit;

And when I’m in a tight place,

Take the time to pray a bit?

 

So many things you taught me,

Are useful over here:

Like “Be a man I’m proud of,”

And  “Stand your ground with fear.”

 

I wish I could have told you

As a boy and now a man,

How proud you made me, dad,

When you took me by the hand.

 

I loved your gentle laughter

Ringing in the summer air,

As you put me on your shoulders,

Or you ruffled my hair.

 

There were times you scolded                        

When I was acting bad;

But you looked me in the eye

And said, “I’ll always be your dad.”

 

I really miss you, Father.

I see you often in my mind.

I’m glad God gave me to you.

You are one of a kind.

Yu/stan/kema