Included in the Summer 04 feature of Poetry in Emotion

Of tempestuous mirth and distemperment,
so did these eyes, as child and man,
behold he that held his stead
as father from day first to last
in life, so as in death, on his terms

It was my delight to instill pride
upon conquering the great divide and expanse
of America's fertile lands
That he shook his belly with boast-worthy exploits
and steeled his resolve in travail and turmoil
fueled the inferno of my journeyman confidence

In that he was the first to give to me,
to the last bit of his scant belongings
was no obligation, but truly a testament
of that paternal belonging he felt
Though scarcely pursuant of most things;
an ambitious minimalist, he wholeheartedly was 'Dad'

Oh, and such a heart had he, as any can attest,
grand as a saint in giving, for family, or friend,
or indeed a stranger upon meeting-
be it in particular devices and ends
as due the nature of the man

Memories, tugging now at my sleeve
beg recompense for each moment
now deprived of his company, though not presence
So, usher ode and fitful reminiscence;
prepare his wisp with fond vestments

A stout creature, though portly in merriment,
his jetty hair clung topmost, anchored to chin
in a coarse reminder that love was rarely soft satisfaction,
rather weathered, strengthened in faithful vigils
to the virtue which composes men

He would fraternize with the best of friends,
and yet spare no expense of time to gather his children-
taking us astride darkened highways
to unveil the mysteries of the horizon
and futures, while uncertain, ever present

In due to him, it must be said,
I may recite a life intriguing and pleasant