There he was, standing there - tall, handsome, suave

Wearing a double-breasted suit which fit like a glove

He always had time for me, and took me just everywhere

It didn't matter if it was personal, business or a dare



And I loved riding along in that great big car beside him

For he always said such witty things, quite out on a limb

I remember once, he pointed out all the trucks at night

Which were lit all along the edges creating quite a sight



And then said "They were all lit up like Christmas Trees"

I smiled, and agreed, and from there on he'd be so pleased

Whenever I saw the lit trucks and said "Oh, look, Dad ...

Christmas Trees" ... and we'd all smile and be so glad



For back then we were so wonderfully tight, and a pair

There was always such joyful fun, and humor in the air

And those really long trips we made all over the country 

I looked forward to so much, and yet there were only three



One to St. Louis, one to Cleveland and one to Pittsburgh

Or maybe they were all one - it just seems like I've heard

The jokes about trucks, lights, trees and other delights

So many times ... that there must have been more flights



But all of the others must have been only in my head

For now I have no way to check on it - for he's dead

And the real father who was so wonderfully alive to me

Is now no more than a memory - to do with Xmas trees ...



- Tristram