Thursday, June 18, 2015

My Hero




                                              When I go home across the hills at evening
                                               My little flock of memories gather in
                                               A gentle peace and quietness will settle
                                               I look back and remember my hero once again

                                               The man I always knew and called daddy
                                               That worked so hard to keep us fed
                                               With a wrinkled brow and callused hands
                                               He provided a roof and a place to lay our head

                                               I see him in the garden come early spring
                                               With his overalls on and his favorite hoe
                                               He stayed with it from beginning to end
                                               Nary a weed was allowed to grow

                                               I see him in the winter in the fallen snow
                                               Splitting pine for kindling to start a fire
                                               Gathering in the night's water and wood
                                               In his plaid coat and gloves, his favorite attire

                                               Each day I hear and see him with his dog Toby
                                               I'm going out to the old place, he'd say
                                               As they happily walked through my yard
                                               Oh what a keepsake memory today

                                               I see those big apple trees he planted
                                               Tall just like daddy, oh how they grew
                                               So many treasures I've come to enjoy
                                               When it comes to my daddy, I'm like glue

                                               He'd tell straight out, he never had much school
                                               Couldn't read or write, certainly no degree
                                               The gift of knowledge flowed through his veins
                                               For ninety four years he taught constantly

                                               To all that listened and wanted to know
                                               Wisdom from the most wise is a gift to behold
                                               As my daddy eased on down through life
                                               So much joy came in pouring out his soul

                                               He walked each road, climbed every hill
                                               He knew everybody for miles around
                                               If they didn't know him, they came to know
                                               He owned and had many a stomping ground

                                               So many examples he set before me
                                               So many memories, such good times
                                               From when I was little and even grown
                                               He taught me life's lessons, only he could design

                                               My daddy is now walking and talking in heaven
                                               Up there where fathers are a chosen kind
                                               I'm now left with my precious flock of memories
                                               And my hero's love he gladly left behind

                                               © Susie Swanson, 2015

This is a Repost from last year but I just had to put it up again. Father's Day is upon us and like so many I'm thinking of my dad and missing him more each day...I could write several books about him and the things he saw and lived through, the kind of life I can only see in my mind. I wish so much I'd  listened more but the things I did hear and learn will last me a lifetime. Happy Father's Day in Heaven daddy and to all the Father's out there. I wish you the best Father's Day ever and may it be as special as you all are.. ~Susie

8 comments:

  1. Oh Susie...How wonderful this poem is..A heartfelt tribute to your wonderful father. So many memories,...they are gathered together..to unfold and recall once more. Love you and God Bless you every single day. xoxo <3<3

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    1. Awww, thank you dear friend. Love you too and God bless!!

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  2. This is so special, Susie! I was never very close to my daddy ~ sad, really.
    I think part of our family will be here for their daddy on Fathers Day.
    God bless you, dear friend.

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  3. A wonderful poem for Father's Day and a fitting tribute to your Daddy, Susie. I hope you have a nice weekend.

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  4. Oh, I remember this post, Susie, and the picture of your beloved dad. What a great picture this is. I'm so glad he was so special to you. He sounds like a wonderful man. I miss my dear dad too. They will always be with us, Susie.

    love, ~Sheri

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  5. A good father such as you had is truly a gift from the Lord! You are a blessed woman! I look forward to meeting your Daddy in heaven one day, and I'll see you there if we don't meet before.

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