To My Dearest Father

For ever in my heart you’ll dwell
a gentle presence, ever near
you gave my dreams chance to mature
with love and patience through the years

From first I smiled and saw your face
a special bond began to form
that strengthened over all my days
and through the ages will remain.

From early days of toddlerhood
when all you did I must do too
you nurtured every curious spark
with careful, tender loving care.

Safe by your side I learned to swim
and revelled in the breaking surf,
our minty dog walks often led
to thoughts of life beyond the earth

And humour never far beneath
the surface in your twinkling eyes
was ever there through thick and thin
to calm the mood and heal the hurts.

You showed the way for me to share
although I wished to keep you close
and taught my silly childish heart
to open up, nurture, support.

A mentor to the youngest minds,
supportive of their spreading wings,
community was in your blood
through village life you were entwined.

Your legacy is all around
and lives within each broken heart
although your voice is silent now
it whispers still around the park.

In sunshine we will see your smile
remember laughter, feel your love
and though sometimes shadows will fall
they too will pass, pain will resolve.

Forever in our heart’s you’ll dwell
a gentle presence, ever near
the hopes and dreams you helped us grow
will lend us strength to bear the tears.

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My Father sadly passed away last week and this is a first attempt at a tribute. I will probably edit it at some point in the future but needed to get something down now to help ease my broken heart