Hey Dad

Hey Dad Hey Dad, It's June again, Another year has passed, Once more to say, "Happy Father's Day" And hope those three words last. It's been tradition, habit, I guess, To do this once a year, And send the card, pick up the phone, And tell you I'm glad your here. Thirty-three years we've played this game, And I thought it was enough, After all you taught me, we're men, And men are always tough. They never cry, or let things show, Expression is not for guys, Women show those weaker sides, But men are strong and wise. You taught me how to be a man, To stand up for what's mine, To never back down from anyone, Well Dad, I think it's time. I'm standing up to you today, To tell you that you're wrong, And even though I cry, and laugh, I'm still a man, and strong. I'm standing up to you right now, So sit and listen, Dad, Because this will be on my terms now, I need to say this bad. You never hugged me, or said the words "I love, you, son" to me, You never took me to the park, Or watched me climb a tree. You never showed that you hurt too When I came home in pain, You never once showed up at school To watch a football game. You never told me how you felt When something hurt inside, I never saw you shed a tear The day that Grandma died. I never ever went to bed, and you Would read me a book, I knew better than to ask you too I've never seen you cook. I only saw you kiss Mom twice, And maybe hug her, too Yet for all of that, thirty-six years, She's faithfully stood by you. I never missed a meal at all, Though you did, more than once You never called me stupid, or dumb Even when I was a dunce. I know you weren't around enough To come to all my games, You worked two full time jobs so long, And loved me just the same. You rarely made appearances At my birthday parties, Dad But if you weren't working for all those toys, I never would get what I had. You never saw me graduate, Or saw my prom date's gown, But it's ok, I know you wanted too, But you were out of town. I know you did your best for us, We never did wothout, We ate, we laughed, we sang in choir, And even fished for trout. But I do remember you always made Mom give us a camera to use And when you got home from working hard, Before you even took off your shoes, You call us each in, photos in hand And say "Sit down, son" And go through the pictures we had taken Each of them one by one. You listen smiling, to all 8 of us, As we told you "check this out Dad," And listened, grinning patiently, To every adventure we had. You never beat us like a dog, You never called us names, You missed so much you hated to miss, Sports, clubs and games, But you never missed a chance at home, To sit with us a while, And listen to our childish chatter, With a patient loving smile. So Dad, I know, you all "man", Hard as steel, so tough, But you have no choice, no old man, I'm finally big enough To make you sit and hear me out, On feelings, love and you. So I'll say now what I always wanted To say face to face with you. Thank you, Dad, for being you, No matter what the price, Thank you Dad for giving me The guidance to live a good life. I'm glad you taught me about strength, And courage under fire, And how to stand up for my own, And how to never tire And thank you Dad, for giving me, Every chance you could, To live my life to the fullest, And do the things I should. Thank you, Dad, for being there, At times I needed you most, Thank you Dad for showing me, A man who wasn't a ghost. So deal with it, Dad, I know you failed, In one area of your teaching, Because I'm going to say it anyhow, In spite of your beseeching. I love you, Dad, And always will, I know you understand, That I feel it deep inside my heart, You made me a better man. You made me a man my wife could love, One my kids are proud of, And no matter what, it's all your fault, That I turned out full of love. I know it's wrong, according to you, But I just don't care, So suck it up, and hug me Dad, Or do it from your chair. Ok, I see by the tears in your eyes, You need a minute alone, But that's okay, because Mom just yelled, My wife is on the phone. But rest assured, I'll never wait, A year from here on out, To tell you Dad, I love you, And hope I make you proud. (This poem was more of a letter than a poem. I am aware some parts don't flow so well, but i can't bring myself to re-write it. It means the world to me that after my dad read this he framed it and hung it above his bed. Just a little glimpse of how amazing my dad was.)