Ode to my Father

He was a marine, with a heart of gold
sometimes his language was quite bold
He tried to teach, and not to scold
I pray to be like him, as I get old

The Depression/ war, were part of his life
He loved his children, adored his wife
Raising five, can bring much strife
his humor cut us up, like a butchers knife

His gregarious laugh echoes in my ears
he put in forty, blood ,sweat and tears
finally retired, from his career
sadly to only make it, 3 more years

Thirty one years ago today
his heart gave out, he passed away
I can still remember, what he would say
"There's no tomorrow", God gives today

Miss you
Dad