I Never Really Knew My Dad

I Never Really Knew My Dad (A Memorial Day Tribute) I never really knew my dad As well as I wish I might; He was a sailor in World War II In the great Pacific fight. He survived the war but died before I ever got to ask; About all the battles and hellish days He carried in his past. I thought I knew him well enough As a child still having dreams; But I never thought enough to ask How he fought and what he’d seen. Quiet in composure A father for all times; Had he not survived and married my mother These words would not be mine. Had he not survived Pearl Harbor, Kwajalein or Guadalcanal, Had his ship been sunk at Midway I wouldn’t be here now. To share these thoughts of thankfulness For what he and others did; Risking their lives, futures, fortunes and love Giving all they had to give. And when it all was over And he finally came back home; He never shared those memories Save for some late night groans. I once heard when he was sleeping Then waking up in tears; I never really knew my dad And all his war-time fears. But here I am because of him And the woman he loved true; Because of them a family And these thoughts I give to you… Never was a better man Than he who raised me up; And never spoke of what he saw Or drank from his life’s cup. Never will I have the chance To ask him once again; What happened on the battlefields To you and all your friends? Did you hear the screams of shattered dreams And final, goodbye breaths; Did you march in the parade of victory Or lie under the stars and rest? I’ll never get the chance to ask At least not in this life; But pray I will when the next rolls ‘round And we both walk in the light… With our mother, sisters and brothers Family all with fallen friends; I never really knew my dad But surely will someday, again. ©Terrell Martin, Memorial Day, 2019