How Many Times

did I not call you Dad -- dad?
After all these years my sorrow
still manifest

a gift of boozing
leftover from WW 11 -- like a noose
affecting too many others.

Sacrifices for family
and country
in spite of men and their shadows
lost youth in battles

bombers returning with
spatter and not all
from mechanical parts

and I blamed you for your
deficiencies.

I grew up dad and as a father
understand the love
you had for each of us.
Love you -- Dad of all dads.

© Richard L. Provencher