Oh, my Papa, he always understood.

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My Papa

We laughed at the garbage you collected in your back yard,

But you were the master of the ultimate Aesthetic, the One True Art:

How to de-junk the interior terrain, getting rid of the garage that clutters up the heart.

You taught us there was nothing we couldn't do, to always say, “I can.”

But you taught us, too, deal with defeat,

That the number of mistakes he makes is the True Measure of a Man.

Then you taught us how to stand up again, to try once more, to stay

“Get back on the horse and ride.

“What da Sam Hill’s the matter wit’cha anyway!”

You showed us how to live our lives with dignity and pride

But the greatest lesson was the laughter we shared

On the very day you died.

You were always firm in your beliefs:  “My mind’s made up.”

But you were always ready to add another page, to take another look.

“Write it in the book, Ma.  Write it in the book.”

You knew the road that Cain had walked, the sorrow, the despair.

It made your heart a refuge for those worn and ragged with life’s care.

You demonstrated what living in Christ really means

By living in Christ, unconditionally accepting every man you met.

Enjoying rejoicing in the whole of him:  “No buts about it.”

You taught us all that there really is a pony under every pile of shit,

And you showed us how to find it.

You patiently demonstrated it for us every live long day,

But your greatest lesson was the laughter you shared

As your life was ebbing away.

You showed us how to weep, and how to touch each other, tenderly, to care.

You taught us how to work, to shoulder the load, to bear.

You showed us how to laugh and love and share.

You taught us to accept the stones, chin high, back straight.

You taught us to exalt in the musty aroma of dirt,

The strength of tears, the sweet smell of sweat.

Those scarred and calloused hands are a gift that will be our guide

Hands so great and gentle that my pain got lost inside.

But the greatest gifts were those moments of joy

On those days before you died.

You blazed a trail for us to follow

We may get lost along the way,

But we’ll meet you once again, anyhow, some day.