Dad

You were not perfect But you were good. You were decent And I have only recently Understood The true meaning Of that word And what it can cost. You were a man whose moral compass Never seemed to falter, Whose honesty would not alter No matter what, in consequence, you lost. You stood there quietly firm Committed, through ups and downs, To providing a safe home For your wife and your three sons; A solid rock upon which We have been able to build with ease. In these steps I have tried to follow Often stumbling; sometimes falling, Falling short of the mark you set But you always forgave my folly Forgiving my hurtful failing And this, above all, I’ll not forget. (C) Barry Freeman - 21st March 2019