I look at him and ask why
He became frail under my watchful eye
Baseball camps now just a memory
Placed on tattered pages in a child’s diary
A man once virile and bigger than life
Now faces death with little strife

Photographs portend potential traits
From one so young and full of grace
Small hands clasp to one so dear
Who took the time to wipe the tears
A man once brilliant and full of facts
Now mumbles softly and inexact

Memories shared between father and son
Silence defines the two as one
The occasional hug at the end of the day
A closeness felt with nothing to say
A man once strong and lifted me high
Now labors constantly with only a sigh

Father and son share a special bond
That transcends the need to correspond
Remember the good times and forget the bad
Always be happy and never be sad
A man once mortal now decides to depart
He may break your spirits but never your heart

A poem for my father on Father’s Day 6-20-04