Love Poem #31

My Dear Dad
by Emily Espanol Derry

My Dad was as good a Dad
As a daughter ever had
There were times he didn't talk a lot,
Then I didn't know if I could or not.

But if Dad said it was so it was so
That I must always know
Like an umpire was he
Always right and right for me.

Disputing with Dad was no part of his plan,
Nor his way of making a man.
Neither did Dad stammer when he told me what to do,
I had the message before he was half through.

Yes, very early I learned
That Dad's rules were not to be spurned.
Truly he was considerate and kind,
But I must do as he said and never mind.

Dad never complained nor faltered
At life's tasks, and seldom altered
The true course he for us all had set
No better man than Dad for granted

Yet, he nor his way could be supplanted.
And for him I'm thankful and glad.
If I walked in his footsteps every day
I'd be the last to go astray.

Without Dear Dad so much I lack
And I'd give the world to have him back.