FOR PAPA
In memory of my grandfather, F. Enice Smallwood

Seventy-five years ago, a child was born
The family was thrilled at the birth of their son
The child grew up and soon became a man
At nineteen he moved far away
His life would forever change three years after that day
He fell in love and got married, the next chapter began
They had three children, two daughters and a son
He watched as they grew, laughing and playing in the sun
Time passed quickly, the years just flew by
His children now grown, his daughters now wed
He looks back over the life he has led
Now it’s his grandchildren he watches, a twinkle in his eye
The years add up, the wrinkles do too
But his eyes always sparkle, the love shines through
His hands are getting weaker, he doesn’t hear so well
But he plays with the little ones
The next generation, his grandchildren’s daughters and sons
His eyes always twinkle, his laughter is like the ring of a bell
The years have been hard, his time is drawing near
For those who will listen, lend me your ear
Though he has gone, he’s never far away
He lives on in our thoughts, our memories and dreams
I see him in our smiles, our laughter and schemes
The time has come for me to say
Has it really been five long years since that day
That he answered the call, that he had to go away
So much has happened, I am married now too
I wish he could know you the way that I had
But life is too short to dwell on the sad
Papa, you would have loved him, because he’s so much like you

Copyright ©2005  Leah Hall Slootweg