Dad was always
there for me
Patient, strong, and kind
His advice
was tempered, to the point
few words to mix or grind
I still see him like it’s yesterday
while I prepped myself for school
"Just one last hug before I go"
was his unbroken rule.
I'd watch his shape
arrange his coat
move briskly thru the doors
A sparkling wink
and he'd be gone
commencing daily chores
Evenings, we'd have time to talk
Then he finally said
"Just one last hug before I go
It's time we're both in bed”
Dad was never pushy
Yet he taught me
right from wrong
A stalwart soul
who wished his son
to grow up proud and strong.
He helped me learn the facts of life
How people plot and scheme
"Just one last hug before I go"
Wasn't always what it seemed
He told me that my future
would depend
on choices made
"Be careful
when the devils due
he's always promptly paid"
College closed my time at home
It took me far away
"Just one last hug before I go"
was all my Dad could say.
He stood with me a moment
as a tear traced down
his face
Walked to the car
and left the curb
in some unseemly haste
I'll have that picture etched in me
Alone, and forced to stand
"Just one last hug before I go"
revealing natures plan.
So as I took
those first few steps
into my adulthood
I imagined
what my Dad had felt
near parting , where we stood
I think he may have had regrets
that time had gone so fast
"Just one last hug before I go"
to make our memories last.
At 19
I was married,
mistaking need for love
At 22
My first son was born
a blessing from above
I saw him thru my fathers eyes
As once he had seen me
"Just one last hug before I go"
became Dad's legacy.
Then one day
my mother called
distraught over the phone
She said that Dad
was very sick
she thought I should fly home
My Mom sat right beside him
As I entered in the room
near unconscious lay my father
in the twilights sullen gloom
I kissed my Mom
then went to him
hands tightly held in mine
I told him not to worry
everything would be
just fine.
By some chance he looked at me
His breath a labored sigh
"Just one last hug before I go"
"It's time for me to die"
"I'm proud to have you
for my son,
I wish that I could see"
"Your children raised
and you content,
as you have made me be"
Dad said, "Don't be troubled,
I'm at peace, you need not cry"
"Just one last hug before I go"
"We'll meet in pure blue skies"
Dad was always
there for me
Patient, strong, and kind
His advice
was tempered, to the point,
few words to mix or grind.
His absence leaves a hole inside
that’s difficult to fill, but...
"Just one last hug before I go"
has kept him near me still