My Daddy Said

He lived his life as best he could
An example of strength and honesty
Saw war take his father one day
A grandfather I never knew
Forced to become a man too soon
He was only twelve years old
Never a complaint did I hear from him
How life had been unfair
Work hard for what you want
Don't let things get you down
Do what is right throughout your life
Is what my Daddy said

He taught me how to throw a ball
And how to play ping-pong
Ran next to me so I didn't fall
On the bike that I first tried
Taught me patience in the garden
Growing veggies from a seed
Til the day they could be picked
And shared the first with me
He taught me how to be a man
Stand tall when things are tough
Pray to God for strength, everyday
Is what my Daddy said

Many times I let my father down
On my road  to becoming a man
He encouraged me to not give up
No matter how rough life got
Showed by example many times
And never walked away
He went to college and got a degree
To give the family a better life
His words still ring in my ears
Decide what you want to do
It might be hard, but give it your all
Is what my Daddy said

I know he wasn't perfect
But he tried the best he could
To be a father and a man
A companion to my Mom
Grandfather to my sisters' kids
Friend to those he met
To follow in his example
These words must ring true
Be grateful for the health you have
Thank God you are well fed
Love those around you no matter what
Is what my Daddy said

I tried

Sometimes I choke my feelings
Hoping tomorrow will be better
Words held back
Hoping its for the best
Now questions arise
Did I do what is right
I loved with everything
Now I feel empty, alone
My mind races to find an answer
Of what went wrong this time
Maybe it wasn't meant to be
My heart not patient enough
I just wanted it all
But didn't see a future
Her smile melted my doubts
Time apart brought them back
On the phone we talked
And drifted apart tonight
A single tear wet my cheek
When all the words ran dry
Our last goodbye still rings
Shattering the calm in my mind
My heart screams it tried

Perfect-Song Version

In my eyes

You were an angel

In my heart

You were a prize

But its gone

Not because I didn’t try

No one’s perfect

We all agree

But why did you take

Perfect from me

I tried to love you

You got in the way

If I saw a better person

Than you felt you were

Why would you have to

Take that from me

No one’s perfect

We all agree

But why did you take

Perfect from me

Pre-chorus

I can’t hate you

For what you feel

I hope one day

You'll see its real

Babe you were wrong

Why can't you see

No one’s perfect

We all agree

But why did you take

Perfect from me

Leaving you there

I walked away

Something was missing

I heard you say

I was empty

I couldn’t stay

No one’s perfect

We all agree

But why did you take

Perfect from me

I walked away
It wasn't fair
I tried to think
You didn't care
I'm so empty
I heard you say
But I just walked away

Perfect-Poem Version

I tried to love you

But you got in the way

If I saw a better person

Than you felt you were

Why would you

Take that from me

No one’s perfect

We all agree

But why did you take

Perfect from me

In my eyes

You were an angel

In my heart

You were a prize

But its gone

Not because I didn’t try

You told me it wasn’t true

No one’s perfect

We all agree

But why did you take

Perfect from me

I can’t hate you

For what you don’t feel

I hope one day

Your heart will see

Babe you were wrong

It wasn’t my mind

That had to change

No one’s perfect

We all agree

But why did you take

Perfect from me

Leaving you there

As I walked away

Something was missing

My heart wasn’t right

Broken and empty

You didn’t push me out

I just couldn’t stay

No one’s perfect

We all agree

But why did you take

Perfect from me

3 Words

For the record, in case you didn't know
It hasn't been said quite yet
The words have been on the tip of my tongue
Without the voice behind them
Not because I don't feel their truth
Just waiting for the perfect moment
Dreaming of you in my arms
Looking at your eyes of joy
Holding happiness for the moment
And knowing it will last
Every good morning sunshine, brings the new day
Every good night babe, brings perfect sleep
I've bared my soul and fears
You've shared your life and concerns
Many hours hearing your voice
A few holding your hand
Hearing your happy sigh
Feeling your heart beat
Babe, I will never claim perfection
But you have changed my life
A better man because I met you
Complete when you said "Yes"
Now I want to say something
For just a moment let me please
Listen to the sound of silence
Feel the butterflies in my soul
Muster up the strength to finally say
Something I have felt so long
It might be with a shaky voice
And a tear in my eye
But you have given so much
To me, I hope you see
My cards are on the table
But one is in my hand
No longer can I hold back
You are my Queen of Hearts
The one who made me believe
In three words I can say
With everything they mean
I love you

Hope

A smile, a wish, a feeling I have
Not of happiness for something I did
For it has been a life lesson passed
To know all is well, the sun still shines
Warms my face and lifts the gloom
Of what could have been all wrong
No longer can I clutch the shambles
Love left when the flames went out
Its given me time to think things through
When love rises again it won't be over
Not in my lifetime or hers
An overwhelming passion that can't dim
Communication brings life to love
As the sun makes the flowers bloom
Seasons change intensity
Leaves eventually fall
But just as the sun shines true
Although I haven't met her yet
My heart has found strength
To whisper "I love you"

Crossroads?

When over turns into reality

And love fades in time

Epic moments seem like dreams

Then empty promises creep in

Hearts scar and smiles fade

While silence changes everything

Healing takes its sweet time

When all I wanted was here and now

A hug, a kiss, a whisper of forever

Replaced by a single phrase

Not right now, I'm broken

I can't help but wonder

If next time will be different

The thought of endless potential

Now seems just out of reach

A setback on life's journey

Another poem in my collection

I've traded ashes for gold

Transformed words into art

Through it all I've learned

Take nothing for granted

And love with ALL your heart