papa

Tom's daddy was 92 years old. He died Tuesday. He had 9 children, 25 grandchildren & 17 great grandchildren. I knew him for 30 years & never heard him say a harsh word to any of them. He was the foundation we all stood on .This is a poem I wrote for him 

 

                                          For Papa

 

                              Papa was a merchant seaman

                              Charting his course by the stars

                              on summer nights we'd watch the sky

                              and he'd tell us their names

 

                              He told his children

                               No matter what you do

                              Do it like you have to

                             Sign your name to it

 

                             When Papa came home

                               There were oysters & shrimp

                              Christmas feelings in the house

                             And all the nickels 

                             A little boy"s hand could hold

 

                             Papa did small things like big things

                             Folding the flag just right every night

                           Writing names and birthdates

                            of those who came to family parties

                            Proud to sign his name

 

                             He has sailed home now

                             His children use his star

                              to chart their course

                            to live our lives

                             so in the end, like him

                             we'll be proud to sign our names.