By Tiffin
© 1999 Tiffin, all rights reserved
Father takes the little girl's hand
Teaches her to look both ways
Cars streamed by
As the street walkers pause
Look to the left; look to the right
Wait for the light
Father placed the little girl's hands
On handlebars wide as a mile
Rubber wheels filled with sluggish air
Pedals bite on bare footed feet
Sailing down the dirt, pigtails flying
He runs along side her
Father sat next to the little girl
What's this D in spelling you got?
This B in math is mighty grand
A in science and in art
C in reading is okay
Try a little harder just for me he states
Father wiped the little girl's tears
Hugs her tight
Explains hamsters life is too short
Allows a white puppy to follow her home
Laughs out loud when a stray kitten sneaks in
Stomped his feet when the alligator was found
Father hands over the keys to the car
This is the clutch this is the brake
That thing there is the gas
Oh my god slow down he shouts
Watch that mailbox
Little girl grins as she learns how to drive
Father beams with pride at his tall little
girl
Dressed in gown of white
Slowly walks her down the wide aisle
Asking, You sure this is what you want?
Not to late to back out yet
A kiss on his cheek it will be okay she states
Father calls his little girl
Through the old screen door
Look a willow tree just for you
Planted on the side of her newly brought home
Happy tears curse down her tan cheeks
Quick kiss against his dear face
Father covers the little boy hands
Teaching him hammer and nails
Cuts blocks of wood for his little girl's sons
Boasts to neighbors of his clan of kids
All the while wishing they would go home
A nap is needed he's getting too old for all this noise
Father holds tight to his little girl hands
Dries her tears
Tells her divorce just sucks
You married a bum,
I'll kick his ass if that would help
Which makes his little girl laugh
Father helps his little girl pack
Fixes the car for the long trek north
Explains this is the oil cap
I painted yellow to find in the dark
Call me each night when you stop to rest
It's a long trip from here to there
Middle aged lady takes the old man's hand
Assists him across the street
Dares to hope a wheelchair not next
Reads to him Shakespeare each night
Sits by his side through funerals of family and friends
Reminds him of antics of pets once owned
Wipes his tears and hugs him tight
Both of them laugh
When he states;
I did kick ass just that once