I
grew up in ‘ol Cheyenne just north of town past four mile road,
it’s there my folks raised me and brought me up in the cowboy code.
I’ve
lived a number of years since then but from the code I’ve never parted,
just
like a veteran trail horse knows
how to return from where he started.
This
code I tell you- it’s something else, lend an ear and I’ll explain -
it’s
akin to honesty and integrity, hard work and
more the same.
It’s
the value of a good mans word when he shakes your hand in agreement,
you
know that what you’ve planned is solid, like it’s set in hardened cement.
It’s
the standard of conduct my father lived by, and what he’s passed on to me,
a
beautiful example of how a man should act and raise his family.
So
when there’s been those times in life that I stumble and take a fall,
I
just pick myself up off the ground and keep takin’ steps…that’s all.
Then
fix my eyes on something that aint movin all around,
and
after some time it hits me…Hey, I’m startin’ ta cover some ground!
He
would reach down deep even when it hurt and hang on to something firm,
the
teachings in the bible, what he had taught and what I’ve learn’d.
He’d
send up a quick and silent prayer to Almighty God above,
that
God would grant him strength inside, so he’d express himself in love.
So
many stories I could share from memories deep inside,
but
today I find it difficult…..you see……my dad has died.
But
Praise the Lord is what I say, Praise God Loud and Clear!
I
know my Dad is with God in Heaven, for his soul I will not fear!
It’s
for us we mourn and shed these tears cause there a void to fill,
so
I sit here putting words on paper, to make my heart be still.
I
looked around this house in search for something he touched or made,
to
embrace this flood of memories though they cut just like a blade.
I
found a piece of history, some wood with pictures laminated,
they’re
photos of my family on this wood now celebrated.
There’s
a milkcan in the backroom he used for cookin’ up many meals,
above
and open fire…yes, heartwarming, that’s how it feels.
Picked
up a piece of wood he carved, looks real as any could know,
It’s
a gift he gave to each of his kids, always his love to show.
A
fish from his own pond he carved with hands so strong and agile,
I
hate this damned disease that made my Dad end up so fragile.
So
on I searched throughout this house for anything to find,
to
sooth this sad emotion in my heart and in my mind.
And
then I saw it, the final piece the one he loved the most,
the
one on which he toiled the longest, of which occasionally he would boast.
My
heart cries out and tears do fall as the image becomes clearer,
it’s
there I’m looking straight ahead at his child in the mirror!
It
hits me like a ton of bricks and suddenly I’m free,
of
wanting to find something of him to keep reminding me.
It’s
there, the best of all he did his love so plainly shown,
my Dad, he’s here inside my heart the whole time as I’ve grown!