My father was born in Texas and he always walked the walk
The grander things that bought a smile the accent when he talked
He was so tall that when he stood the clouds would part the sky
Then when he walked his bowlegged steps would cause the earth to sigh
His greatness came from giving in a most rewarding style
He gave his heart and anything for the big grin of a child
His Texas ways made him the man...his kids cherished most
The greatest man of all my time was humble...didn't boast
Nor brag for he was confident in the greater love for hearts
His was given many times to those of needy parts
His heart was richer with each gift that came to those in need
My dad the Texan, tall and lean was good at giving deeds
Scouts and kids and anyone who needed what he had
They got it first from this great man...My Texan...yep...my dad
The tallest tree that held a cat...he could get it down
He could match most any tear in smiles pound for pound
He drew a cap gun...played the draw and fell upon the dirt
When High Noon came for broomstick riders and their funny quirks
He painted faces...made the forts and fancied up the youth
For Tonto and the Roys of years he captured all the truth
Imagination was his key to making laughter sound
Like matchbox cars and boxed in stars...a penny for each pound
This Texas man of Hi-Ho fame and lean sharp witted grins
This man...my dad with all the kids...my siblings and our friends
He is loved for all he did...his genius was divine
He wears his halo like a hat and shines...oh yes...he shines
That smile of his is in the sun...his words are in each breeze
His kiss the whispered silence in the lullaby in trees
He sings the creatures all to sleep...he tickles all their toes
Then when the loudest storm is passed he paints the great rainbows
He is missed but he still lives in all that he did birth
This Texan still donates his time to beauty here on earth

© 2000 Susan K. Rowse

I miss one of the greatest men in my life but he lives on in me.