You’re my dear dad who, due to a cancer blow,

I was not lucky to love and to get to know -

  You’re far away in heaven

  Where I cannot see you again

Your death left me virtually devastated.

Part of me died with you surely.

After all these years gone and hated

I still find your loss unbearable

My soccer games you didn’t attend

  Where I loved to compete and contend

You didn’t take me hunting, fishing

Mountain climbing or outdoor camping

My school teachers you didn’t meet

To learn how I did in the classes’ elite

A spruce with me you didn’t cut down

As our Christmas tree to be the best in town

You were not there for me, your lad

When I was in trouble, sick, or sad

You didn’t walk with mom into the hall

On my wedding day to smile and stand tall.

I had to be the man

   With no man around

      To teach me how to be one.

No boy deserves to be bound

To such tough challenges’ cruel gun.

My tormented ecstasy on Father’s Day -

I smile to my kids and a happy image I portray

With no dad of mine to see grow old and gray

Why did you have to die?

I was only four years old –

Definitely too young to cry.

When I look up at the sky at night

I see a beautiful star glowing bright

I know you are that star

Letting me know from afar

Watching over me – you are.

That’s when I strongly feel

Your love for me is very real -

Father’s and son’s enduring seal!

Though I will always be the boy

Whose love for you is my sad joy

The time has come for me

To say “Goodbye”.

Finally your death I have accepted!

I will go on proud with my life

Be the man - to be I was destined

Enjoying the happiness I deserve.

www.josephmangraviti.com