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Notes About The Poem

Robert J. Lindley, 9-24-2017
Rhyme( A Tribute To My Father)

NOTE: Greatest blessing in my life was to know, love and be loved by this brave and kind man.
I have labored on writing this tribute poem for about 9 weeks now. Leaving it, coming back,making changes.
Always trying to improve it, as nothing seemed good enough.
Then I finally saw the light, my father tho' extremely intelligent was still a simple man.
One that believed good triumphs over evil, that people are only human and thus they should not be judged against a perfection yardstick.
For weeks I sought perfection to honor him, one I so dearly love.
Then he seemed to say to me this morn-- " son, when love is true it is already perfection, regardless of how its presented."
With that in mind, I finished this poem today. And hope you may enjoy it and think beautiful and loving thoughts/memories of your own father, be he now living or passed on as is mine..

Syllables Per Line:
8 8 8 8 0 8 8 8 8 0 8 8 8 8 0 8 8 8 8 0 8 8 8 8 0 8 8 8 8 0 8 8 8 8
Total # Syllables: 224
Total # Words: 212

Just An Old Man

Just an old man I came to know
his mind still busy, feet were slow.
Tired feet lounged in old, worn shoes
he had lived, lived and paid his dues!

An old man, one I always loved
one who taught me to fight when shoved.
Showed me to be kind when one could
how to work hard and saw firewood!

An old man, long ago I knew
taught me to say, yes sir on cue.
Suffered to give more than he had
to raise good sons, not to be bad!

An old man, one God took away
taught me true love and how to pray.
Gave his kind heart and gave his all
to teach me to stand proud and tall!

An old man, that never forgot
to aid me, were I on the spot.
Old man that gave, not being asked
in that bright light, this soul once basked!

Just an old man, so brave and true
wore the old, to buy me the new.
An old man, one I so cherish
I pray to meet, when I perish!

An old man, one I hope to see
that good son, he raised me to be.
Just an old man, one that loved me
pray I, to one day be as he!

Robert J. Lindley, 9-24-2017
Rhyme( A Tribute To My Father)

NOTE: Greatest blessing in my life was to know, love and be loved by this brave and kind man. He passed away in his sleep on the morning of his 68th birthday.

I have labored on writing this tribute poem for about 9 weeks now. Leaving it, coming back,making changes.
Always trying to improve it, as nothing seemed good enough.
Then I finally saw the light, my father tho' extremely intelligent was still a simple man. One that believed good triumphs over evil, that people are only human and thus they should not be judged against a perfection yardstick.

For weeks I sought perfection to honor him, one I so dearly love.
Then he seemed to say to me this morn-- " son, when love is true it is already perfection, regardless of how its presented."
With that in mind, I finished this poem today. And hope you may enjoy it and think beautiful and loving thoughts/memories of your
father, be he now living or passed on as is mine..

dedicationfatherlonginglovemeaningfulrhyme

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Robert Lindley

September 29, 2017 at 8:05 AM

Thank you my friends for such kind and encouraging comments on this tribute poem.. I hope you were all blessed as well, with having such a loving and fantastic father. I lost mine at age 15 and it had a most profound effect upon my life. One that I almost did not recover from..

Robert Lindley

September 29, 2017 at 8:04 AM

Paul Callus

September 29, 2017 at 7:48 AM

I am glad to see that the relationship between you and your father left such a positive effect on you and your life, Robert, and the memories are there to be treasured. I am sure he was/is proud of you! Best regards my friend....paul

Vladislav Raven

September 28, 2017 at 9:50 AM

What an excellent tribute to your father Robert, the words touched me deeply. I lost my father when he was 59, died in his sleep in the hospital. I had a wonderful father who taught me much, would that he had a son worthy of him. I can relate to this piece and it did bring back memories to me. You are an excellent poet Robert, it is my honour to call you friend. Your friend always....Mike. A fave.

Lynn Marie

September 26, 2017 at 4:36 PM

A beautiful tribute Robert. Your words so heartfelt and loving, I am quite touched. Your notes are wonderful, I appreciate your efforts to allow us insight into your thought process. thank you. You are an amazing poet and dear friend. many blessings to you xo

L. J. Carber

September 26, 2017 at 11:23 AM

Well, Robert, my envy is usually confined to a poem I might wish I had written-- but here I wish I had had the kind of relationship with my father that you had.

Silent One

September 25, 2017 at 9:17 AM

Absolutely amazing touching poem my friend, your words touch my heart.. You are an amazing poet, even in the face of adversity..

Patricia Cresswell

September 24, 2017 at 6:15 PM

Robert he was lucky to have such a son. Who remembers him even now with love and honour. I am sure to him you are perfection.

Dale Gregory Cozart

September 24, 2017 at 4:10 PM

Aw, this is so nice. My father died when I was sixteen months old. I still wish I could've known him. The movie, "Field of Dreams", absolutely wrecked me, not to mention the movie, "Frequency".