Woody Rum

You’re the sunlight that filters through leaves of trees:

You nurse our shivers, you’re a Nevada cool breeze.

You shelter our spirits, keep us out of the rain,

But the reins are ours – you planted freedom in our veins.

You’re the perfect balance between father and friend.

Too bad, then, our ride has come to an end,

But fairgrounds take tokens, and me, I have many.

I’ve got lessons, laughs, cries – memories by the penny.

Too: laced like ivy, we’ve the tales you told;

Clenched tight in hearts, these will never unfold.

Carving stones into smiles, eyebrows dance the waltz

You’re a carpenter of life. A regulation somersault.

Like sand through finger tips, life slips away.

Everything’s robbed. Yet you still stay the same.

Days before parting, tender, you soldier on

You just “keep on keeping on,” with more life than anyone.

Silent melting heartbeats echo empty streets

But you’ve tickled those of everyone: lives you complete.

As yours start to smatter, ours pitter patter

Without love, nothing else matters