A Man Like Him

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 .

Leave a Reply

Related Post

A Burning Loss

A burning loss that hunts emotions down Invades the heart, corrupts the passing mind, Destroys the grin and leaves a bitter frown That still remains despite all passing time. My mind cannot evade the thoughts that pass Of times when love was real and strong and true, With hope that seemed it would forever last; […]

The Sentinel

A frozen Demon glaring from above So motionlessly patient during his watch So still he never greets with fear the dove But grants his rigid shoulders for its perch. The scar-cracked sculpture’s a looming host A stone sentinel cut from granite grey I never fail to notice his weathered post That gives security during the […]

Feigned Perfection

Your beauty flourished all throughout you’re your youth It blossomed, grew, and dominated truth But truth existed still; though it did hide Declaring my mistake: Your beauty lied As perfections promised prompt return It gave me hope that heart would not be burned But flawed your face appeared far from my eyes I could not […]