As a youth he had been very slender
Age saw a man fuller and more mature
Warm summer nights enjoying a beer or two
Sitting on the porch with naught to do
Leaning on the stoop waiting for a breeze
Casual talk bolsters contentment and ease
Friday nights as we visit my grandparents
A player piano operated by my aunt
Maybe a tin of tobacco for Grandpa
A weekly ritual to which my parents saw
A little older my Dads weight declined
This Is how I remember Dad of mine
Working around the yard or about the house
A tattered undershirt was his blouse
Old shoes spattered with paint from the garage
Around his waist, trousers half again too large
A cord in the belt loops cinches trousers tight
He must have realized he was a sight
A welcoming smile as we were greeted
Laughter in his eyes at the picture he created
But those trousers never will I forget
How they went around until they almost met
That twinkle has been gone for many a year
As I remember my father so dear