Span of Life

A lifetime seen thru silence at your side, From tiny lad to manchild in your shade, One sole intent - to earn a nod of pride, Tho' I was never worth the effort made. In years past, I had ears fast to the rail, My tympans aching for the waking word That might let love or God above prevail, But cold admonishments were all I heard. 'Hard work is how a father shows his love', How many times I'd heard that empty line, But as you left the earth for heav'n above, I learned the selfless depth of your design ... What my self-pitied eyes could never see ... The mighty bridge that you had built for me. ~ 1st Place ~ in the "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" Poetry Contest, John Hamilton, Judge & Sponsor. ~ 3rd Place ~ in the "Brian's Choice O, Any Form, Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor. ( Syllables = ten per line, counted at HowManySyllables.com )