This Father's Day,
I want to pay
A tribute to my dad;
Not the one in pictures
With a smile that seems so glad,
But the one in my heart's candid shots,
Bringing laughter to my thoughts,
Snapshots of those moments,
Capturing the fun we had;

Hopping in the dinghy
And rowing us about,
Tossing in a fishing line,
Hooking catfish one more time,
Dad would say, "There is no doubt,
They're just as tasty as a trout,
They'll cook up mighty fine!"

Opening the oven door
To check mom's baking out;
Hoping that a winsome smile,
Would gain him pardon for awhile,
At least until aromas sweet,
Would beckon to his curious feet—
He'd pull just one small cookie out!

On Sundays, off to church we'd go,
With pride he'd lead us in,
He'd guide our family to our pew,
His giggling, wiggling, winsome crew,
And though we tried to make him proud,
Our giggles would become quite loud,
Till a look would quell our din.

Then home again, guitar in hand,
He'd call his darling dumpling band
To gather round and join his song;
Filled with mirth, we’d sing along,
Familiar songs that made us smile;
We put our chores off for awhile,
Our father’s love had won the day,
And chased all thoughts of work away!
Edie Batstone