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