Daddy Song from 2004

I wrote this a week after I lost my Daddy in 2004. As Father's Day approaches tomorrow I think of him as I often do on holidays, his birthday and other occasions. As a Christian I hold fast the promise of Heaven and know I will see him again someday.  I'm proud to be his son.

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

Our Hidden Child

There is still in each of us
That child hidden somewhere
In our mind, heart and soul
That wants to go out and play.
To wander and explore
A world that is fresh and new.
To chase lightning bugs
In the cool twilight.
To wander the woods
In search of treasure.
To run so hard life whizzes by.
To hear that beloved voice
Calling from the distance
"Come on home now.
Time to come home."

Old Sweater

The smell of his sweater
Still lingers though he is gone
As I hold it to my face
And breathe in deeply
The scent brings memories
Of childhood, of feeling safe
As my little hand held his.