On my fathers birthday

I remember pastry turtles from you when I was less than five.

I remember your first house

as it became, still, the best part of my life.

I remember to bat "lefty"

and baseball stuff you taught me.

I remember you having no new shoes because I did.

I remember your tears on parting trains as I left for the Navy.

I remember your strength when one hug

carried us both through a very low point.

I remember seeing that twinkle in your eye,

realizing how much alike we really are

I remember you, always there with love and understanding.

Happy Birthday Dad, from one to another

and thanks, for being my Father.

October 9th, 1982