My Dad

A boy is born to a traffic cop.

Hard raising is the story that won’t stop.

Christian mom, policeman father.

It’s not about them, so don’t even bother.

This story is about my very own dad.

He is the best I could have had.

Dad’s start may not be so great.

Don’t dare think he failed, just wait.

Dad met mom on a blind date.

They were told get married soon or fate.

Would have to be there for them.

As dad left for overseas soon again.

In just three weeks, to be gone a while.

Long ways gone, four thousand miles.

They decide to take the leap.

Making the promise in the farmhouse to keep.

Together despite the crazy world.

That separated boy and girl.

He goes over and she soon comes.

Letting him know he is the one.

They return in a few years.

With a new life and many fears.

Together forever they will be.

They decide to start a family.

In the small town where he was raised.

Here they will spend most of their days.

Boy one comes and then boy two.

Keeping parents busy as boys do.

Dad works hard the whole week through.

To provide for Mom and children too.

Dad is up before the crack of dawn.

In his little cheap car, to work he’s gone.

Getting back home at half past dusk.

Rarely finding times for play and such.

Slouching in his chair at the end of the day.

A cold one in his hand, watching the games.

While Mom lies in bed each night and reads.

And caring for the boys and each of their needs.

Dad will take the oldest boy for a ride.

And to look under the hood of his ‘55.

Seldom doing the same for the youngest lad.

And this makes the boy oh so sad.

He wants some time with his Dad.

When years pass, he will wish he had.

They do share afternoons of video games.

Saving the world and laying claim.

To memories that will last forever.

That will help the boy often weather

Days of loneliness and regret.

That only a man alone can get.

Dad volunteers at the local school.

To be with Dad, the boy goes too.

Getting there early and staying late.

To be with Dad, the young boy waits.

This is where good time they spend

On the fields and in the gym.

Celebrating nights of championship wins.

At the local diner until the next mornin.

The dad stands firm and loud some nights.

Breaking up and starting fights.

But always there, these faithful two.

Like boys who follow their dads will do.

Young son goes to high school.

Oldest to college, follows girls too.

Dad and young on Friday night.

As the home team wins to much delight.

Youngest graduates, oldest marries.

Dreams of the next generation carries.

Oldest soon moves out of town.

Youngest decides to hang around.

Dad has a dream and follows it.

And the young son is proud to sit.

At the bar there with his Dad.

Not one drink he has ever had.

Friends come in from all around.

A proud staple of this small town.

Son cleans the tables and carries food.

And does whatever he can do.

To share the dream the family had.

And to do it all with his Dad.

Representing the family with great pride.

Taking the hard hits of life in stride.

Dad at work and not at school.

Son misses him, but knows the rule.

The son wants to win on the court.

So he shares with Dad about each sport.

Their teams and heroes aren’t all the same.

Except the college the bares home’s name.

The Dad and son pull hard for them.

Through heartbreak losses and big wins.

Puckett, Murphy, Jordan too.

Late night games watched on the tube.

Dad’s about business, that’s for sure.

But beating the rival, he closes the doors.

And allows them all to celebrate.

Dad, son and those who congregate.

Around the bar of the watering hole.

That brings such soothing to the soul.

A generation sees an end and gone.

Passes on to their heavenly home.

Always taught to appreciate

And to never ever separate.

Family comes first and always will.

Is the message that rings loudly still.

And was taught by the man who works so hard.

To provide despite the poor hand of cards.

That life may deal to him sometimes.

But, this family will survive the times.

And no matter what curves life may throw.

Love and family only grows.

Thank goodness for the times we had.

We’re always thankful to be led by Dad.

Youngest graduates college and moves on.

Often he does come back home.

To watch the games, talk to Dad and friends.

And pray this chapter never ends.

Big brother has moved on as well.

Married, three kids but does not dwell.

Around the little brother much.

Rarely a kind word or a touch.

Little brother is still at the school where Dad.

And he great memories and times they had.

Trophies, friends and many good times.

Memories and history fall in line.

Dad’s not there to keep the score.

Miss seeing him come through the door.

Tradition, it must carry on.

To keep a piece, stays the son.

Dad continues to live the dream.

They still support the home state team.

The older son has kids by now.

Younger son has bought a house.

They both still come from far away.

To see family and celebrate.

The legacy of a hard working man.

Who has been there since it all began.

And mom by his side, she’s there too.

And she’ll be there when it’s all through.

The home team win the championship.

Son and Dad, late calls and sips.

To talk about it all together.

Memories that will last forever.

Family goes and family comes.

But as he taught, we’re number one.

The rent is up and payment is down.

Dad remains firm in his home town.

Proud of where they have all been.

Son would not trade one day in.

Or change the way that he was raised.

Pride in family through all the days.

Oldest son has children, three.

Woman sweeps youngest off his feet.

Calls come, drinking hole days done.

Woman marries the youngest son.

Soon his own son makes his way.

Into the heart of the Dad of grey.

The biggest smile he ever had.

Four times a Papa has come of Dad.

He does not stay late again at the bar.

Goes to the games to see his stars.

And cheers them on, succeed or fail.

Family history is such a tale.

The home team travels far away.

Papa and youngest go see them play.

First trip together to see the team.

And celebrating loudly, winning the dream.

Cops and farmers and medical staff

Round tables, fire pits, drinks and laughs.

Are just a few of the great times we had.

With Papa, boss, friend and Dad.