The elephant ( to my father )

I sit alone and watch the fading light, Reaching for your shadow in the night. You built the backbone of the man I came to be, With every quiet word you handed down to me. You had the patience and the wisdom of the wild, A quiet giant shielding every step of your child. I miss your heavy hand upon my shoulder bone, Without your gentle strength, I feel lost and alone. I carry scars of choices made in shame, Moments when I stumbled and tarnished your good name. I’m sorry for the tears I brought into your eyes, For foolish mistakes behind my youth and lies. Your memory pulls me through my darkest day, The guiding beacon keeping trouble far away. I strive to stand as tall in everything I do, Because the best of my heart belongs to you. Now you’re a tiny star up in the endless grey, Watching over every step along the way! I feel your quiet whisper in my mind, Leaving all the pain and suffering behind! I know you’re in a place where heavy burdens fall, Dad, I am okay, I hear your distant call! Your memory is the strength that keeps me moving on, Until the day I see you where darkness turns to dawn! Now you’re a tiny star up in the endless grey, Watching over every step along the way! I feel your quiet whisper in my mind, Leaving all the pain and suffering behind! I know you’re in a place where heavy burdens fall, Dad, I am okay, I hear your distant call! Your memory is the strength that keeps me moving on, Until the day I see you where darkness turns to dawn! The house is silent, but advice remains so clear, I feel your giant spirit standing by my ear. You taught me to stand straight when life breaks down, To walk with honor across this dusty town. I see a piece of you inside the mirror every day, And try to walk the road you pointed out my way. My grief is like an ocean, your love is like the shore, Holding up my soul until I reach your door. Rest your tired shoulders, your earthly fight is done, You raised a man who promises to carry on your sun. I’m doing fine down here because I know you’re free, Living in the heavens where your spirit ought to be. I'll keep your wisdom guarded treasure in my chest, Until the sky calls out my name and lays me down to rest. Thank you for the life you gave, for every lesson taught, You are the greatest hero my heart has ever sought. Now you’re a tiny star up in the endless grey, Watching over every step along the way! I feel your quiet whisper in my mind, Leaving all the pain and suffering behind! I know you’re in a place where heavy burdens fall, Dad, I am okay, I hear your distant call! Your memory is the strength that keeps me moving on, Until the day I see you where darkness turns to dawn! Now you’re a tiny star up in the endless grey, Watching over every step along the way! I feel your quiet whisper in my mind, Leaving all the pain and suffering behind! I know you’re in a place where heavy burdens fall, Dad, I am okay, I hear your distant call! Your memory is the strength that keeps me moving on, Until the day I see you where darkness turns to dawn! "I’m okay, Dad... Rest easy now."