41. He's My Dad
Muddy boots and overalls, he stood about six two
He was a country bumpkin; hard work was what he knew
A carpenter, a roofer, a jack of many trades
Countless hours of hard labor with not much time to play
Muddy boots and overalls, he stood about six two
He was a country bumpkin; hard work was what he knew
A carpenter, a roofer, a jack of many trades
Countless hours of hard labor with not much time to play
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Famous Poem
You do not do, you do not do
Any more, black shoe
In which I have lived like a foot
For thirty years, poor and white,
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I remember my dad waking me up at 4 o'clock.
Barely getting up with my eyes half shut,
Getting ready and packing up dad's truck,
Hoping to catch some fish down at the dock.
Photographs of you holding me in your arms,
You protected me from any kind of harm,
You influenced me to play guitar,
I was always your number one rock star.
The day will come when it's time to go,
but first there are a few things I would like you to know.
You're the strongest man I ever knew,
and the one I've always looked up to.
Not many people can say
they have a true friend
Someone that stands by your side
and shows devotion with no end
He wasn't faster than a speeding bullet,
but he was quick to come to my defense.
Unable to leap tall buildings,
but could lift my spirits when life didn't make sense.
F is for Friendly; with him, fun times I share.
A is for Amazing; his heart is full of compassion and care.
T is for Truthful; his values have helped me stand tall.
H is for Helpful; his generosity is valued by all.
There once was a daddy who had only girls.
He was very special indeed.
For as some daddies eternally yearn for a son,
This daddy could not see the need.
I'm just sitting here thinking about what you mean to me,
Remembering all the things you've done for me.
You've been there for me from the start,
Knowing what to say to keep me from falling apart,
I know that I'm not perfect, and I'm sure you know that too,
But it means the world to know that I can always talk to you.
I am sure you didn't expect all this when you took me in to stay.
But you still loved me enough that you did it anyway.
As a kid when I watched you walk,
Leaving behind your foot mark,
I leaped and jumped to match that stride,
Never succeeded however hard I tried.
The fears of a father in this world are not few.
Over time they may shift in their shape, shade, or hue,
But the one that keeps calling, keeps knocking my door,
"What happens when she doesn't need me anymore?"
Analysis of Form and Technique
To a dad who is terrific,
To a dad who's real neat,
To a dad who makes the best of things,
Even when they're not so sweet!
You are the one who held me tight,
Rocked my cradle all through night,
Cuddled me dearly when I was in fright.
Oh Pa, you will always be my shining knight.
Being a father to a son
brings a man's heart so much joy.
You can't imagine your world
without this wonderful little boy.
Although you're not my birth dad,
You've loved me since I was small,
The road has not always been easy.
Brightly-lit eyes speak to me,
Of all that your little heart wants to be.
With lots of excitement and warm tenderness
Come hold my hand, my darling princess.
Famous Poem
Old women say that men don't know
The pain through which all mothers go,
And maybe that is true, and yet
I vow I never shall forget
Socks glide across the kitchen floor,
Arms spin me around once more.
Best time I ever had,
Was dancing with my Dad.