Good Morning, Dad

                                                         

Good Morning, Dad, It’s me again, just calling to say Hi

Don’t I always have a thought or two I’d like to pass you by?

Maybe it’s a rusted bolt or a clanking in the trunk,

Or a thought that kept me up all night about a bike chain that got stuck.

Or there may be a project, the “daddy-daughter” kind

Something you and I can build that I’ve got on my mind.

Even when there’s nothing that I need to ask about

I want to call you anyway and let my feelings out.

Back when I was younger I’d talk your ear right off

Ok, maybe I still do, but you can take it, ‘cause you’re tough.

This morning I just want to chat and tell you what is up

Maybe brag about my kids.  I know you’d eat that up.

But, Dad, my mind’s not thinking of the children still in bed

It’s dwelling on the days gone by and my Daddy Dear instead

I’ll keep my mouth from moving and let my memories flow

And try to bring back things you taught and did so long ago.

Remember the irrigation that flowed across the lawn

And the trains that passed not far away just before the dawn?

There were trees to climb in summer and sleds to ride in snow

And roads to plow in winter, then lawns again to mow.

Work-time was important and you taught me not to shirk

But you also taught to romp and play when we’d finished all that work.

I remember all the hook shots you would take out with the boys

And the way you’d shout from bleachers and be heard above the noise.

“Get up and run”, you’d tell us, “Take that shot and now rebound!”

When we played sports we always knew our dad would be around.

But, Dad, my mind’s not caught up with the playing and the sport

It’s the feeling I have in my heart that seems of great import.

You’re body, Dad, is older.  It doesn’t run so fast

As it did when we were younger--in my memories of the past.

It’s this thought that made me want to call and hear your voice today.

Thinking with me always I want you and Mom to stay.

But that’s not the Father’s plan, you taught me all along

He planned that we’d get older and our bodies not stay strong.

Guess here’s the thought I want to share as I call you up today.

I love you, Daddy…thank you.  That's all I have to say.

But wait, what is it I should do when your phone rings on and on?!

When you aren’t around to tease me and help me carry on?!

Dad, I love you so much my heart could break in two.

When you’re not here to hear me, then what will I do????

“Sweety,” I can hear you say, “Come here and sit by me.”

“Wipe those tears right off your face and let those questions be.”

“You know it’s not forever, this separation part.”

“You know it deep down there inside your saddened little heart.”

“We’ve taught you all since babies, God’s perfect, loving plan”

“So tears arn’t necessary for this aging, older man.”

“Life isn’t long for anyone, we’re not on this earth to stay”

“Then we’ll all be back together.  Let’s look forward to that day!”

Thank you, Dad, for listening, once again to my long thoughts

I’ll call again tomorrow and we’ll have another talk.

Kathryn Chapman Oct 6, 2012