This is dedicated to my father.

When I came through the mist of the veil
And was born into this life
He was there

When I celebrated the joys of life
A good grade
My first date
The birth of a child
The true meaning of love
He was there

When I lost those things in life that were so precious
My innocence
My children
My brother
He was there

When life had no meaning
And the dark shadows blocked the way
He was there

When I fell as boy
And when I stumbled as a man
He was there

Whatever I become in this life
Whoever I touch
Whatever difference I make
The mark I leave as a man is because
He was there

So as I pass back through the mist of the veil
And my life is complete
I hope that I have made him proud
Because I know he will be there



E.L. Burton