Daddy, I remember going off fishing with you,
time spent together, doing what you liked to do.
You tried explaining as clear as a Daddy could.
“You must be quiet”, and I tried hard to be good.

Soon you reluctantly took me back to the shore,
my constant talking you could no longer ignore.
There I stood, by myself, on the side of the lake,
worried I had upset you and made a big mistake.

I looked down at my feet very surprised to see,
so many fish swimming in the water around me.
Calling out proudly,” Daddy, look in my hand.”
holding up a fish which you did not understand.

All the years growing up the games we played,
fun times locked inside and there they stayed.
A bicycle, at twelve, to celebrate this birthday,
a present with your love you wanted to convey.

Now jeans replaced a dress of ruffles and lace,
my new short hair brought a frown to your face.
Daddy, I never realized how much it could hurt,
for you to not see nice dresses or a pretty skirt.

Then I was at the age I wanted to start to date,
you always insisted that I should never be late.
You never once complained over all the years,
you must have cried often, a lot of silent tears.

Watching me becoming a lady from far away,
wondering how I was doing every single day.
Quietly you stayed always in the background,
but no better of a Daddy could ever be found.

Thank you for teaching me right from wrong,
for being there when needed, to be so strong.
You never did anything to go down in history,
but the love, for me, was always plain to see.

I never would question what you had to say,
aware deep inside it must be done your way.
Staying always, My Daddy, My Best Friend,
thank you for being there, until the very end.

© Brenda Sparkman
June 13, 2006