TO SHEILA (Written to Sheila when she was in college.) Wally Rose - 1969 I’ve searched at Kresge’s five and ten, At Begley Drug and K-Mart too, A fountain pen was all I wished, One filled with words of love for you. At first I tried a Papermate, Then Eversharp and Bic, They tried their very best I know, But none could do the trick. “Why put the blame on us!” they cried, “Our re-fills are too small, A king-sized pen is what you need, One close to ten feet tall.” I should have known right from the start, Just how my search would end, For all the love I have for you, Could not be found in pens. Such a love is only found, Deep down inside my heart, And all the flowery words I know, Could barely make a start. As you have grown from year to year, So has my love grown too. No father ever had more pride, Than I’ve always had in you. My faith in you is constant, No one could change my view, Just do your best, that’s all I ask, And to yourself, be true. You’ve filled each year with gladness, Each day with special joy, I hate to think about the day, I’ll lose you to some boy. As you can see, I’m not a Keats, A Tennyson or Frost, To write the things I’d like to say, ‘Most times leaves me lost. And though my deepest feelings, Will stay locked up inside, I should receive some merit, For having really tried. I love you, Dad