I Simply Held the Light For My Hero

My Dad was a very practical man, so adept at many things.
Why, he could fix my bike and replace a watch's springs!
Many times I stayed by his side as he worked late into the night.
I learned so many things from him as I simply held the light!

He could tear an engine down and put it together again!
He could hang a garage door or replace a broken window pane!
He showed me how to tie a fishing fly and how to make a kite!
I learned so many things from Dad by simply holding the light!

Growing up during The Great Depression things were really tough.
He even had to repair our shoes with heels and soles, sure enough!
He was a talented carpenter who made sure things fit snug and tight.
So many things I learned from Dad by simply holding the light!

If the old John Deere tractor wouldn't start he knew exactly what to do.
He knew how to doctor his horses, hogs, cows and little puppies too!
He could butcher a hog in a trice and cure its hams and bacons right.
I learned so many things from Dad as I stood and simply held the light!

He could repair an inner tube, repair a harrow and shoe a horse!
He mastered the use of a dowsing rod and could trace water to its source!
Dad was and is my hero and taught me always to do things right.
So many, many things I learned from Dad as I simply held the light!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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A   Avatar
January 13, 2016 at 12:59 AM
Robert, Congratulations on your win. Luv ~LINDA~
Hinshaw Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 3:58 PM
Thank you dear Linda! I always cherish you kind comments - bob
Lamoureux Avatar
January 10, 2016 at 10:42 AM
One of my favorites Robert, congratulations.
A  Avatar
January 6, 2016 at 12:00 PM
Bob, Congratulations on your win, in Judy Konos Dad contest. Love **SKAT**
Tunick Avatar
January 6, 2016 at 6:01 AM
You are a very lucky man. I also was USAF. I salute you for your service
Konos Avatar
January 5, 2016 at 4:12 PM
Robert thank you for being in my contest. I was in awe over, " I simply held the light". Your dad has a fine son as is evident.
K Avatar
April 12, 2012 at 1:28 PM
Such a touching dedication to such a wonderful father :) great job
Culverhouse Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 6:49 AM
great work....I get so frustrated with my son....he has watched me and my dad and husband work yet he doesn't know how to do anything....selective amnesia.
Dufresne Avatar
April 8, 2012 at 6:41 PM
Honestly Bob... this is just fantastic all around. Reminded me so much of my own Pop on the farm. Your write here is just masterful. Number one with me
Sweetheart Avatar
April 8, 2012 at 6:40 PM
he sounds like a super hero Bob and u are so wonderful a son to extol his praises with such a loving tribute to his memory.. good luck in the conterst.. yes Ron is smiling from ear to ear after reading my poem about him.. ..oh u men.. ego first.. but all in fun and luv.. good luck ..in contest.. a sure fire winner..
Kendrick Avatar
April 8, 2012 at 4:45 PM
Enjoyed reading this one..Great honor that you have paid your dad by writing this one..Good luck in the contest..Reads like a sure winner..Those days of young men learning so much from their dad seems to be in the past..It needs to return so that our future generations will have skills needed for life..Thanks for stopping by..I appreciate the time spent there..I am glad that you got a chuckle..Sara
Kendrick Avatar
April 8, 2012 at 4:51 PM
Sorry, Robert, I had you at the wrong poem..Thanks for stopping by Tick-Tock..Sara
Devonshire Avatar
April 8, 2012 at 4:27 PM
Bob, your father and mine had some things in common. Anyone who survived the Great Depression appreciated all the little things more. I wrote about my father too, Bob. Be sure you take your name off as per contest rules. Winning wishes for you, my friend, and Happy Easter! Love, Carolyn
Song Avatar
April 8, 2012 at 4:02 PM
Comin back to reread this one tomorrow, Bob. Happiest of Easters to you and Vera! Love, Gwendolen
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