Dad's Tree And Me Poem by gail godin

It seems like just yesterday
I must have been about three
Dad grabbed a pointed shovel
Hollarded, 'Girl, get out here with me.'

So off we went to plant a seed
With hopes it soon would grow
We buried the seed beneath the soil
No worries of ice or snow.

Everyday like clockwork
My dad would take my hand
And lead me to this barren place
Where all I saw was sand

But soon thereafter a splinter of green
The seed would become a tree
All because my Daddy's love
Was shared that day with me.

The years passed by too swiftly
Age showed itself all round
Dad's eyes may have been the worse for wear
Yet his ears heard every sound

I cherish our times together
I'll take them with me to my grave
The pride of being called his daughter
Yes, these are the memories saved

He's courageous, brave, firm, steadfast
Committed to his beliefs
Honorable, loyal, a soldier's soldier
In victory as in defeat

Our tree now reaches the heavens
On a solid, fertile, growing ground
A trunk with countless branches
A squirell and bird playground

As I look upon the massive oak
We planted so long ago
I long to take his hand in mine
And never again let go.

The diabetes will take its tollon Dad
His hips, his feet, his eyes
But will never take the priceless things
He's my gift from God, so wise.