Thursday, June 16, 2016

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 the 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 have 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 and 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 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, 2016

Happy Father's Day to my Dad in Heaven and to all Father's. May your day be as special as you. Blessings

3 comments:

  1. Susie, I love your poem with the memories and love of your father. I miss my dad too. I miss more my step dad than my very own father...for he was there for us kids. I hope one day we can all be together again. Blessings to you, love, xoxo, Susie

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  2. Beautiful memories of your Dad, Susie. I also miss my Dad. I hope you have a nice weekend.

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  3. Susie, I can just see your dad in the snow splitting wood to start a fire and planting the big apple tree. I remember this picture well. Your dad sounds like a gem. Yes, Happy Father's Day to our wonderful dads!

    love, ~Sheri

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