A Word From Father

The sun resting high on the ridge’s rim

I rode behind him on the rocky trail

Studying the silhouette that was him

Sadness consumed me but I hid it well

And this old man who never knew me

Never glanced back or checked his rein

I was glad because I didn’t want to explain

And for miles he never said a word to me

And then by a rippling stream

He dismounts from his horse

And looks around at the beautiful scenery

Cool blue water coursing through rock

Like blood through life giving arteries

A world like no other, and I would trade it for none

This place heals my heart and soul

I can feel the strength coming back to me

“Let me tell you something little girl”

On this ride this morning, my father said to me

“Ain’t a ‘pairing’ worth a thing in this

Old world if YOU and ‘IT’ ain’t free.”

“A dog that needs a leash ain’t worth having

Just cut him loose and let him be.

If he wanted to be with you

Throwing rocks wouldn’t make him leave.”

“I can tell your heart is hurting

And I ain’t one to bounce you on my knee.

But I can tell you this-

Anyone worth worrying over

Would be sitting in a saddle

Right here next to you and me.”

I couldn’t say a thing or look him in the eye

I knew if I looked at him or spoke- I’d break down and cry

I couldn’t bring myself to say anything

I glanced towards him and smiled

And I started to sing because he loves it when I do

But every song I thought of reminded me of you

So I chose the oldest song that I knew-

Call me Darling, call me sweetheart, call me dear

Thrill me darling with the words I want to hear

In your hazel eyes, so smiling, a promise I see

But your two lips won't say you care for me

Oh my, darling, if my daydreams would come true

You would meet me at a secret rendezvous

And I'd find the paradise that lies deep in your eyes

Call me darling, call me sweetheart, call me dear

By now he rode ahead, and I was happy where I rode along

Over the breeze I could hear Dad’s voice mingling with mine in song

As his horse clipped a pace ahead of me I could hear from well behind

And was glad that he understood in his way what I was going through

Relieved that I need not tell him what happened between me and you

I was grateful to be in my father’s company

As I retreat from you and your piety

Grateful for a day that will stay always in my memory