FATHER'S DAY JUNE 16, 2013

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                      MY DADDY 

      
      

      “Play quietly today.  Don’t wake Daddy.

      He worked the graveyard shift.”

                                                      

      We shared the joy of reading, swinging,

      and singing very loudly.

      “Rock me to sleep, Daddy.”

      “Push me higher, Daddy, higher.”

      
      

      In later years, we’d swing on the deck and discuss the stars.

           “Were they looking back at us?”

      With great anticipation we awaited 1986

           and Halley’s Comet.

      “Guess we’ll not make 2061.”

      
      

      Dignified white moustache over a gap toothed grin.

      Same pew each Sunday morning

      Vigorously enjoying our favorite hymns.

      On his knees in prayer each night.

      
      

      Intelligence glowed in his eyes and speech,

      though he quit high school wearing sandals in winter.

      Served his country with honor in WWII

      while getting a tan in the Caribbean sun.

      
      

      A special small laugh when I called each day

      as if it had been years since we’d talked.

      We shared a quick temper

      and an inability to patiently wait for anything.

      
      

      He was my North Star.

      I’ll miss him ‘til I die.

      But I’m not afraid of death.

      I know he’s patiently waiting for me now.