What Could Have Been
Ninety years old today, if fate had gone another way.
Our Daddy could still be here; how different life would appear.
Childhood tickles, laughter all the while
An arm to hold as we walked down the aisle.
A sense of comfort and secure
No boogiemen could get to us for sure.
“Daddy’s home! Daddy’s home!” would be the cry
For his attention seven would vie.
His thick curly hair and his barrel chest
Against it we still long to be pressed.
He’d teach us to fly-fish, we’d make him so proud
To his friends, our praises expound.
From the parental seat, we’d give him a call
With tales of his grandkids we would enthrall.
Would we dine on rare steaks to celebrate?
Relive ninety years and stay up late?
A cardiac chasm for what could have been
So many dreams died along with him.