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I looked across at the gray in his hair
And I wondered if each had it's own story to tell
I wondered if it would be a sad one or happy
I wondered if it would be a story that would sell

I looked at the mustache upon his face
And I couldn't remember a time when it wasn't there
I looked at the stubble on his cheeks and his chin
A look of ruggedness, of man without a care

I searched for his eyes that had looked right through me most days
I wondered if he was thinking of his past so long ago
Or if he was thinking of what a nice card he was reading
And I wondered if he liked it and if we would ever truly know

This man that had yelled and acted crazy at times
This man who had held me when I was but a baby
This man that had walked in life for so long beside me
This wondrous man that when asked if life was hard, he said maybe

His body is not stooped by time
And his presence is strong that is easy for me to see
Yet here he stands holding a gift I gave him for Father's day
So much love and enjoyment of life, oh how can this be?

I know life wasn't easy for him and his family
I know because we lived in poverty for a good part of my youth
My allowance was but a pittance compared to others in my world
But he felt that more than money it was important to know the truth

Many mysteries of life did he show me along the way
Hunting, fishing, and loving my family were a few I will take to heart
And as far back as my mind can truly wander and remember
He was always in my memories right from the very start

If there was anything I could give him as a gift
That would make his life easier and his eyes to ever clear
It would be sort of selfish of me, but I think that I would give him
Longer life and better health so he could be with my family year to year

I am hoping I can follow this man and walk in his footsteps along the way
But if I can't he'll understand because I did things the way I desired
The tools that were needed to make me a man
Were what he gave me and all that I truly required.

His love was always there for me
And was never in doubt while I was growing old
But I feel almost remiss in my thoughts
As I think of this man's mind and how someday it will go cold

But for now I long to tell him how I feel and what I think
To show him what his teaching has done for my family and me
So that someday it will be my grandchild that is sitting next to her granddad
And looking in solemn wonder as she stairs at the gray hairs left on me.

Learn more about this author, Scott Shaffer.
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