Friday, June 13, 2014

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, 2014

Happy Father's Day to my daddy in heaven and to all Fathers. I'm so glad they have a special day for all of you. Ya'll are so deserving and a whole lot more. God Bless each one..


14 comments:

  1. My daddy is in heaven too! Thank you Susie for this beautiful tribute!! HUGS!!

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  2. What a beautiful tribute.
    My dad is also in heaven and so is my mom.

    Your poem is lovely as usual. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Lovely memories of your dad, Susie. They reminded me of some of my own memories of my dad.

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  4. Susie, I love your poem about your dad. I sure miss my father. I tell everyone to hug their parents all they can. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo,Susie

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    1. Thanks Susie. I do the same. Blessings to you and yours as well.

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  5. Through your words we can understand just how special your dad was to you. Wish all fathers could be as loving.

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  6. Susie,
    What a wonderful dad you had. I would love to see those big apple trees he planted, and I love the fact that even though he didn't have much schooling, he taught you so much his whole life. This picture is such a treasure. Our fathers shine brightly in our hearts, Susie, and this is such a beautiful poem to remember him by.

    love,
    ~Sheri

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  7. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem and memories, Susie. God bless!

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