For Daddy on Father's Day

For Daddy on Father’s Day

A White House employee,

A Pentagon man,

The Navy commander,

I’m his biggest fan.

He knew Kennedys and Roosevelts,

And a British Prime Minister,

But though he walked with great men,

He was a humble, quiet listener.

Honored by Japan’s emperor,

And on Capitol Hill,

A man who knew secrets,

He wasn’t run-of-the-mill.

A respected friend

Of Hollywood's elite,

He was the humblest of men

You could ever hope to meet.

Well known ‘round the island,

And always greeted with smiles,

He’d walk in any stranger’s shoes

For proverbial miles.

He dealt with his own demons –

Maybe more than most.

Possibly that is one reason

He wasn’t known to boast.

I inherited his love of language,

His caring ways, his hands;

His respect for the truth and integrity,

And for my fellow man.

I live my life in such a way

As to bring honor to his name.

For those lives he touched in his short life

Were never again the same.

He had no enemies

And was beloved by all.

It broke heart when he answered

The Maker’s call.

So I’d like to thank my father

For the woman that I am.

Because so much that I learned

I owe to this incredible man.

Thank you, Daddy.

I love you,

Liz