papa

one year closer to five decades
the white in your hair cascades
salt and pepper locks tell the stories:
future stresses and past glories
brain of a world-weary doctor
crammed with daily, small horrors:
diseases that make him silently curse
cynical about our globe and universe
heart of a child who loves to play
intricate builds with Legos he makes
stoic on the outside, but he’s always
searching for fun; mischief on his face
soul of a boy who loves his family
gentle love expressed quietly
familial bonds thick like hollandaise
i know he misses his holland days
peanut butter is his daily bread
listen to jazz tunes before bed
for you im grateful and so glad
happy birthday my dearest dad