To The Patriarch Of Our Family, James J. Reina, My Father-In-Law Poem by Lynn W. Petty

There lived a man of gentle heart and soul,
Who lead a life of modest wants and cares.
There seemed to be a commonality
With all of human kind but, deep beneath
That unity there lay a virtue that
Would constitute his character; a man
Of principle, a gentleman, a man
With tender core that set him far apart
From those of generality. Candid,
And unsuspicious, he possessed a clean
And unpretentious frankness of a pure
And humble nature; wisdom deeper than
It seemed; so simple, practical and clear,
As to its relevance which, bore the fruits
Of his integrity. Reliable
As husband, father, and provider,
Who gave to us, and life, his very best.
Well may posterity be grateful for
His memory; as he left a legacy,
An inheritance, of goodness, insight
And judgment, for all of us to emulate.