He walks with me

I can almost smell his
woodsy cologne and feel
the warmth of his big man hugs
that always made me feel small,
but protected at the same time.

His words echo in my head
resounding as they say “take the
up road, the higher ground,
always do the right thing
and you will sleep at night.”

The funny face lightens the mood
after the heavy discussion.
That stern German visage
twists into crossed-eyes
and goofy grin. I smile.

It is our path to love,
this tall man with the big hands
and the bigger heart and the girl
who has always worshipped him
for his caring ways.

He walks with me.
Through the veil of death’s reign
he steps beside me still --
for the love between a father and
daughter never passes away.

He walks with me.