My father was not always my best friend – he still isn’t. However, he did give me a lot of good advice and was as good a father as he could be. He never lied to me or backed away from a challenge in life. Here’s my thanks for that.
Just and True
When I was a young man
my father spoke to me
in words of measured wisdom
he tried to make me see
That life is hard and painful
a place to serve and work
to always do my very best
and never turn or shirk
and if I did the best I could
rewards would come to me
for nothing in this life he said
would ever come for free
As I grew up I questioned this
as young men always do
until I learned the hard way
that what he said was true
The upward path is always hard
and shortcuts mean defeat
cause no one likes a liar
and no one loves a cheat
But on that path you find the friends
that make your life worthwhile
I hear you now George Parker
I hope this makes you smile!
The only thing I really own
is what I learned from you
Always do your very best
Be always Just and True.
with love for my dear father
your son Douglas
6/97 MDW
