Day for Thanks

The biker.  Thankful for genes.

I Just Like Peanuts

Bittersweet

As I get ready to see one more Thanksgiving without my Dad, it will again be bittersweet. Being with family is what makes the holiday matter most, but without his charming, bellowing voice at the table, it is a lot quieter. I miss you Dad. I am reminded of you helping me grow up with small town values and what an amazing man you were. It said a lot that you were the most loved man in any town we lived in, not based on wealth or popularity. Just for being unique and a true gentleman.  

So You Will Know

So You Will Know

The world that I walk in so many hours of my time

Is the world most all others see on the news at dinnertime.

For you it’s only moments this hell that you so fear

Just change the channel turn it off and it all will disappear.

I go to work and trod the streets as you are coming home

While you are with your family I trod those streets alone.

It is no one’s fault I chose this life many years ago

And lost part of that person who I was and earned a hardened soul.

I am proud to put the dregs away so they may harm no more

And allow you to feel the safety beyond your tall front door.

It is very true I lost much more than sleep in all these years

Those I’ve loved and myself; I’d forgotten to shed tears.

This reality is mine to keep and that I cannot share

I do not own or have a switch to make it disappear.

I am he who’s hunted monsters to keep them from your home

To put them inside cages so they may no longer roam.

As I look at my reflection I recall where I began

A time when I had total faith and trust in fellow man.

It is up to me to see the truth the truth I should have known,

Never once while I was on the streets, never once was I alone.

For I had the strength of brothers, all who wear the blue

The silver shield on their shoulders whose fidelity is true.

I’ve held the love of family steadfast in my heart and

The gift of strength the Lord would grant me before each shift will start.

So it is I stand before you a warrior and friend

And carry with me honor I’ve sworn that I’ll defend.

Integrity valor honor words many people say

Never having known the sacrifice our brothers had to pay.

It Is With Honor we wear the badge that sacrifice gave fame

A blue clad warrior who was there for you but you never knew his name.