American Father
AMERICAN FATHER
1.
My father raised me an American
since he was raised by wheat field and by sea
family immigrants from Germany
who watched as he rode off to find a plan.
From High School he attended Madison
worked for a Physical Education
to teach the children finding foundation
with a Bachelors Degree on how to run.
With tired face comes home from daily race
carrying his pain for ones he left at home
and never finished University.
After my birth he found a different pace
he saved one trip a year for him to roam
on motorcycle to forget Navy.
2.
To listen to these songs of my Father
these songs of man who searched upon the road
what freedom meant for him that carried load
a lesson on becoming life’s author.
For many years let freedom take the reigns
once lost in alcohol and gambling
sometimes our freedom seems bit confusing
when constantly cutting against the grains.
Yet over time he chose solemn return
to commitment he made to build a home
for wife and child he moved into desert.
Through drunkenness he thought he’d never learn
he saved one trip a year for him to roam
to ponder redemption, provide unhurt.
3.
What scares me most another profound change
is rolling on the train tracks through the town
as son I cannot interpret his frown
the look when cattle is put out to range.
An interesting narrative is told
when current memory is nostalgia
my anger lost within his dementia
for now we find ourselves sullen and old.
So much in darkness and so much in light
his life a lesson on America
he raised his son by wheat field and by sea.
A home once built around a constant fight
a blues song played on one harmonica
with lessons from the road and the Navy.
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A very touching poem of love and understanding. Well done, Jamie.
Thank you Phyllis. Jamie