When I do wrong his glance is solid stern
By strength of discipline I’m forced to learn

The smile he gives to me is strong but soft
His eyes are proud, his son he holds aloft.

I fail each day to live by all he taught
To be a man his equal, I cannot.

He chooses only perfect acts of mine
Forgiving all my failures throughout time

Now on my own I choose what right I can
Would that the choice be made by better man

Alone I’m not! For he is by my side.
His words—the truths he taught my choices guide

I’ll dare to wander through lives unfair water
If I am half the man as is my father

J. Abram Barneck.
Copyright © 2002 by Rhyous, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: 13 Nov 2003 15:01:22 -0700 .