To My Dad

Dad, though our days have carried a mix of smiles and tears.

Though often we fought, battle set upon my youth’s silent rage.

I recall now as I grow old your wisdom and how it’s built my life this day.

Love by you dealt by a firm hand; rebellion and insolence were my way.

I know now as I look upon the burnt and rebuilt bridges of our past.

I know that you loved, and love me as I do you, and that a Father/son relationship will eternally last.

I know that many times in my deed and way I have brought you shame.

However Dad as each year passes and collapses into yesterdays dust.

I am proud to be your son; I am proud that you are my dad and share your name.

These last few years that to each we have known have brought many a change.

You have been there for me in so many ways; you listened to me when I wept over the passing of my wife.

You condemned not my troubles but in wisdom understood my strife.

If I but had a thousand pages and a thousand days in which to write.

I could never in detail tell you how much YOU & Gloria have been to my life.

There have been so many days in which I have sorely in soul wept.

Yet in a fathers love…Dad, you by my side never left.

Happy Fathers Day to you, and May God always you bless.

J. Allen Wilson © 6/20/2010