My Dad, My Hero

my dad
my hero
watching you
fall
shake
quake
from the weakness that is overtaking you
rips my heart in two

my hero
my dad
you are
strong
steadfast
courageous
you were the one who carried me through

the body dies
it creaks
it groans
from age, ware and tare

we rail at its injustice
as it takes over
leaving you feeling
helpless
useless
unable to be as before
oh, how dare!

yet...through it all
you shine bright
illuminating
revealing
what your mouth cannot share

your eyes tell your story
fear
sorrow
yet...there is strength
love
peace
knowing
that you have never have to worry

you are
my dad
my confidant
you will remain as you always were
a man of
truth
integrity
complete and sure

you are
my dad
my friend
.....my hero

--mjr 2008