dad this tribute to you / until we meet again

dad this tribute to you
until we meet again
above the sky beyond
in timeless time
we turn to memories
recollection stories
that make a smile
photographs become
beacons or stages

like the one
on the day of marriage
it is a bright scene
him prime steadfast
earnest heart united
with his bride and
she in white satin
bright as grace
or like lightening

together a life unfurling
great and unknown
they both so young
poised too in that light
it is so far away
and yet so close

miles moved
off to the west
the houses cars
children and stories
jobs commutes
songs dinners jokes
work roofs roofed
yards and fireworks
faithful dogs books
packards and campouts
redwoods bodega bay
industry passion
like an arrowhead
like a finding
and if needed a push
would give a shove
when striving
he won

for some he is in
everything we
ever thought
above all
he was and still is
not done but moving
in hearts and in minds
son brother husband father
grandfather companion
friend steadfast
a veteran

him in one
recent photograph
taken not far from here
a knowing smile
kind tilt of the head
caught in that light again
so bright so far away
and yet so close

love and joy
for him that comes
because he gave it

if you decide
to look for him today
you cannot find him
anywhere because
he is everywhere

----

6/17/18