A tribute to my Dad, "Snowy," and to all good dads.
Thanks seems so very inadequate. But thanks, Dad.
I watched a Silent Soldier fight,
But comprehend - I never could,
The sacrifice or daily toll,
Nor the cause for which he stood.
I saw him wounded many times,
But I never felt his pain.
And oft he did the hero's deed,
But never glory claimed.
This Silent Soldier in the front,
While I was in the rear,
I never knew to turn and run,
Nor bend beneath his fears.
Day by day he fought the fight,
And cried his unseen tears.
And though I could not see before,
Now, today, it's clear.
Now I understand his cause;
And I understand his pain.
I understand his sacrifice,
And worse - the daily strain.
For I've assumed the soldier's place,
and the import of his seat.
Now I bear the Father's role.
And the fight comes first to me.
It's common shame that valor's due
is often unextoled,
But it's hard to sense your Dad's full worth
Until his place you hold.
P. Davis
