Rubbed his callused hands together
Looked me in the eye
Trying hard to find his words
He appeared about to cry

Your mother says you’re frustrated
I’ve become a pain
Sitting around feeling sorry
Driving everyone insane

Looking back at him
He appeared tired and defeated
Small and weathered; hanging on
His life unfairly cheated

He never gave us much advice
Never our best friend
We never threw the ball around
His day never seemed to end

Working long thankless hours
Doing all he could
He seldom said, “I love you”
It was understood

Looking back at him
He appeared tired and defeated
Small and weathered; hanging on
His life unfairly cheated

I remembered him coming home from work
Lunchbox in his hand
Impressed with how proud he’d walk
And how tall he’d stand

Strong and tough, he rarely smiled
Saying what’s on his mind
He had an honest way, uncompromising
But his heart was soft and kind

Stricken with reality
Life had passed him by
Asking for someone to care
Or at least to try

I said, “Dad don’t worry”
You’re never a pain to us
I’m sure you just misunderstood
There’s nothing to discuss

I said “goodbye, I’ve got to go”
He walked me to the door
Put his hand on my shoulder
Said, “I really wish you’d visit more”

Looking back at him
He appeared tired and defeated
Small and weathered; hanging on
Now he’s gone and missed so much
I often wonder…
Why didn’t I visit more?
… His life unfairly cheated