When you're young and reach out for one to tell

It's your father who takes it, and squeezes well

He listens to all the problems and offers advice

Then reflects back on them - always so very nice ...



He lends an attentive ear and then offers his guiding hand

You always know you can count on him to really understand

And there are those times when advice he gives is solid gold

And so you take it, and use it, and love then grows two-fold



My Dad did that many times, and for all of them, I'm grateful

And so - on this Father's Day, I want him to know I'm hopeful

All of the things he taught me so lovingly through those years

Are now part of my makeup, and used well, thru all the tears



- Tristram



(c) Christopher W. Thomas

6:20pm Sat. June 20th, 1998