Heartache of heartaches,
My Daddy is gone.
My soul cries out to him
But no answer is heard.
He has cast off his frailty
Like an old worn shirt.
Yet I cling to the hollow,
Afraid to let go.
His spirit left this place,
Fled to the mountains of home.
Walked one more walk
Neath the sweet sourwood blooms.
Washed his feet again
In the clear creeks up the holler
Ran like he did as a youngin'
Up the road to the homeplace.
Like a young deer his spirit
Jumps and leaps and runs free.
Clear eyes look at a cabin
Gone now for fifty years.
There, through the twilight
He sees the lights of home.
His loved ones wait, patient
Smiling at spirit found freedom.
My Daddy turns and sees us
Wants to say goodbye.
He waves like he always does
Then walks back up the holler.
His steps are easy now
There is strength anew.
He runs towards the lights of home
Turns once more, smiles.
"I'll be waitin'" he says
And grins his grin.
His eyes have a twinkle
Like he knows somethin' we don't
