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Seven Years Ago

Seven Yesrs Ago


Seven years ago on this very day,
The most wonderful man in my life passed away.
He was gentle and sweet and giving,
Played cards or bet horses for a living.
We’d go to the footy or soccer each weekend,
A tradition on which I could always depend.
Although Saturday morning he was very habitual,
In his chair in his undies with a wireless was his ritual.
Getting his tips and daily doubles for the horses,
I guess a precursor to a number of divorces.
His nature was one of pure generosity,
Without the slightest hint of anger or animosity.
Then One day he found the straight and narrow path,
Bought a coffee shop, and that meant hard graft.
His staff would love him and most stayed for years,
Then many years later were at his funeral in tears.
During this time I worked by his side,
I tell you this with an immense sense of pride.
His example was their for all of us to see,
Though it didn’t always bring the best out of me.
His whole family loved working in his very clean store,
His awesome sense of humour meant it was never a bore.
His wife, his sister, his daughters and his son,
All worked in that shop not for the pay but the fun.
As he grew older bad health caught up with him,
He did a little walking in an effort to get thin.
But with his Kantor genes his chances were slim,
I think his love of cheese is what did him in.
But with a quadruple bipass along with blood cancer,
Plus horrendous back surgery his body had no answer.
Pain was his best mate and constant companion,
He suffered in silence and was an absolute champion.
When his once dormant cancer reared up its head,
We knew time was short and that soon he’d be dead.
Then came a day I knew that he was dreading,
The start of chemo and his lovely hair he’d be shedding.
As he restlessly got ready for slumber that night,
His sweet heart mercifully gave up the fight.
Today well I’ll try not to feel too sad,
It’s hard but I’ll think of the good times we had,
I miss you buddy but just know that I’m glad,
For the times that we had and for being my Dad.

31/05/2018

Copyright © Jeff Kantor | Year Posted 2018

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