Memories Of You

Memories kept safely bound
Tied with the ribbons of my past
Upon my mind’s shelves
Waiting and ready for remembrance
Eager to tell their story

Your grey socked foot to bounce upon
Red heeled and toed, galloping ever faster
Smiles bright and giggles never ending
Warm large hands holding tiny hands
Steadying, grasping, safe

Work-day done and you are home
With your black worn lunch kit
Of riches and endless treasure--
Candy bar centers, sandwich crusts
And rocks that shine like jewels

Dented hard hat sideways slipping
Dirt-encrusted clunky boots
Worn like hip waders to my thighs
Heavy red plaid coat dragging
Dress-up time for daddy’s girl

Three little ones stand in eager wait
For daddy’s sweetened spoonful
Small mouths filled and dripping
With the syrupy strawberry goodness
Of tinned delicious jam

Broken dolls and chainless bikes
Scraped knees and wounded hearts
Carved bears and wooden stilts
Making, repairing, staying
There, always there, for me

Eyes sparkle like valued gems
Illuminating; penetrating my world
Echoes of you linger within me
Bouncing off the walls of my heart
Softly settling, warmly welcomed

You are there, a permanent fixture
A resident of my heart and soul
Arriving at my birth, leaving never
Always my dad, forever my friend
Cherishing ever, my memories of you…