Father

Father
will you
talk to me
tell me about life as you see me grow
tell me about the things that made you flow
let me know when you're angry and why
tell me about the good things I do that bring you pride
speak to me about the birds and the bees
tell me when you approve or not so I can see
then let me know that you are there for me
speak to me about all the things I can be
and if I don't turn out as you
let me know that you're fine with that too
and father
even when it seems that I'm not listening
know that I always hear you whispering
so make your words mean something
and say it
clearly

Father
will you
walk with me
walk with me when I take those first awkward steps
and to that surprise party that you forgot to set
take me along to hang with your friends
and when you drink beer and discuss women
don't forget that I'm only ten
walk me to the candy store to buy stuff I shouldn't have
and then to a walk in the park to share a good laugh
walk me to my drivers test when I reach that age
and if I wreck your new car
remember
that I'm new to the stage
I'll need you to step with me on graduation day
as we walk and share the great achievements I make
understand
it came with your love and support on the morning shakes
walk me to the drug store to buy protection I'll need
and know it comes with instructions now
that I can read
there are many walks to take in life as you see
and I'll need your strength beside me on many of these

Father
will you
cry with me
cry with laughter when you see your toddler fall down and pee
cry but don't laugh if I scrape my little knee
we can weep for the trouble I cause as I'm learning to be
lets cry for for the things that go wrong in our lives
and the sons and brothers lost before time
we can cry about winning and losing and reaching our goals
because tears are always good when they clean out the soul
so lets set a date
and we'll just sit around and whine

Father
please take my hand
put your arm around me so I can help you stand
now that your old and gray
and you can't remember the days that you seized
and that's alright
we will always share a smile
and a laugh
and a tear
as father and son
we'll do
till we're done