Jerrybaldy
08-11-2010, 04:51 PM
I don't think of you every day Dad,
But I'm thinking of you now.
Stood in the kitchen, soapy brush in hand,
shaving, then splashing old spice.
Black hair shining with brylcreem.
In the mornings, shining your shoes,
to a military shine.
Your pride, head always held so high.
Fists always clenched, ready.
The few times you spent time with me
telling tales or playing with toy soldiers,
were made all the more special,
by their rarity.
You were a man I could not match.
Fearless in never walking away.
Your life disintegrated in drink.
Your second wife died.
Your home was a wreck and your money drank.
I wish I could forget the November night,
I walked you home from the pub.
In the street your beltless trousers fell down,
exposing women's tights beneath,
to warm your legs from the winter.
I wanted to kill the passers by
who laughed at your plight.
My proud Father.
When you were waiting to die
You showed no fear.
I doubt I will live up to that
when my time arrives.
I prefer to remember our day on the beach
just kicking a ball.
Your proud son, almost bursting
that you should share a day just you and me.
That evening you served me my first ever steak.
It took some chewing, with my milk teeth
but I felt like a man
Like you Dad.
But I'm thinking of you now.
Stood in the kitchen, soapy brush in hand,
shaving, then splashing old spice.
Black hair shining with brylcreem.
In the mornings, shining your shoes,
to a military shine.
Your pride, head always held so high.
Fists always clenched, ready.
The few times you spent time with me
telling tales or playing with toy soldiers,
were made all the more special,
by their rarity.
You were a man I could not match.
Fearless in never walking away.
Your life disintegrated in drink.
Your second wife died.
Your home was a wreck and your money drank.
I wish I could forget the November night,
I walked you home from the pub.
In the street your beltless trousers fell down,
exposing women's tights beneath,
to warm your legs from the winter.
I wanted to kill the passers by
who laughed at your plight.
My proud Father.
When you were waiting to die
You showed no fear.
I doubt I will live up to that
when my time arrives.
I prefer to remember our day on the beach
just kicking a ball.
Your proud son, almost bursting
that you should share a day just you and me.
That evening you served me my first ever steak.
It took some chewing, with my milk teeth
but I felt like a man
Like you Dad.