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| Mom and Dad in 2012 in Cincinnati |
The knight in fine armor who guarded my
childhood never owned a horse but went from
city streetcar to countryside Dodge coupe
when he married my mother and began
to plant crops that continue to grow strong.
Hey Dad, how are you? We call and without
fail, he answers: Grumpy, Mean, Ornery.
All is well. He may be bruised from a fall
but he mows the lawn, smokes his one-pipe-a-
day on the porch, gossips with friends and guards
the neighborhood while continuing to
check his crops once weekly, guardian still.
Happiness! Children, grandchildren, in-laws
and new great grandchild—all return his love.
Copyright © 2014 S.L.Chast
He sounds like a loving, well-loved and happy man!
ReplyDeletea nice way to honor your pops...Grumpy, Mean, Ornery.
ReplyDeleteare good qualities when you are standing guard. smiles.
thanks Susan for this wonderful share of happiness....
ReplyDeleteLovely Father's Day tribute to your father, Susan. I can see he had a sense of humor with his answer of "Grumpy, Mean, Ornery." He really sounds like a man who doesn't let things like bruises get him down. And it sounds like he had a lot of love to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI like the image of your dad as "The knight in fine armor who guarded your childhood", Susan! How nice that he can do the things he enjoys doing. I am sure the neighbors appreciate his guarding the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteHe looks so active and healthy and surrounded by love & family ~ Sadly my Dad is not in the best of health so I am happy to know that your folks are doing great ~ Happy weekend Susan ~
ReplyDeleteAh, nice!
ReplyDeleteHe looks like a tough guy there with your mom! happy father's day to him and have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful and truthful tribute to your dad.. Love the honesty of being Grumpy.. We need to be see that more I think...
ReplyDeleteLiked this poem. Your Dad looks like a person who would not suffer fools gladly. You were lucky to have him as
ReplyDeleteguardian of your childhood.
Beautiful. That is such a sweet tribute to your father. I really liked it.
ReplyDelete-HA
There's a great story and character in this...we should all have the good luck some day to be equally grumpy, mean and ornery!
ReplyDeleteSteve K.
lovely poem, makes me miss my grandad
ReplyDeleteSons like a wonderful man, and a happy one.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are Susan! Daddy's girl is a special commodity! Great!
ReplyDeleteHank
oh so cute..and the pic is great:)
ReplyDeletenice... i love that he smoked his pipe on the porch...somehow this is a wonderful image to look back at the day with all its work and just enjoy the moment... i should start smoking the pipe...smiles
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to enjoy a childhood with a man like that!
ReplyDeleteloved meeting your dad - what a character - and what a wonderful tribute - K
ReplyDeletei love your daddy poem!! it makes him sound soo cute!! :)
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to your father . . . . :)
ReplyDeleteLovely words to a much loved dad.
ReplyDeleteThere is something special when a man smokes a pipe, contentment maybe.
Anna :o]
My grandpa was almost completely like him.. i think that's what make 'em extremely adorable. Lovely, Susan. smiles.
ReplyDeletehaha... a wonderful old fella!
ReplyDeleteZQ
What a caring tribute to a well-loved father from a daughter who knows him so well.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for your warm comment on my poem. I take heart that every year brings with it new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.
Your opening line was great..a knight who keeps guard..a good knight to have protecting you..
ReplyDelete