Friday, June 14, 2019

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 my 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’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 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, 2019

Happy Father's Day to all Fathers and may your day be as special as you.

5 comments:

  1. Awe, what a beautiful tribute. As usual your poem is very heart warming. Take care of yourself.

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  2. Susie, I love this story of your father. I would have loved knowing him. I seemed to always be envying someone else's father. I had two daddies. My real father who was kind of mean and drank too much. Then I had a step father, that loved me and my sibling as his own children. I miss them both. I loved them both. I did not hate my real father for his short comings. So I think your dad was a good man and very loving of his family. The way it was meant to be. Blessings, xoxo,love you dear friend, xoxo, Susie

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  3. This is a touching tribute to your wonderful Daddy. 94 years old is a long life and now he is at home with our Heavenly Father.

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  4. Wonderful poem for your Dad, Susie. He left you with so many amazing memories.

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  5. Oh Susie, I remember this dear picture of your Daddy. It really got to me when you mentioned him in the garden, as my Dad had a garden as well, and many times I helped him out watering, picking vegetables and gathering them to take home. The big apple trees your Dad planted sound wonderful. I can just see him splitting wood to start a fire in the snow wearing his plaid coat. We were so blessed to have good Fathers, Susie.

    love, ~Sheri

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