Ode to Aaron

Ode to Aaron

A gentle giant astride the barstool

Shoulder to shoulder, soul to soul

The future is a dream; a world away

A fork in the road of life lay ahead

An opportunity waits. Do we squat or jump, Dad?

Jump Son. Jump like I did years ago.

I never looked back once my decision was done.

Though home be familiar and full of harmony,

The challenges are ahead, that river to cross.

Ahead is a home filled with discordant melodies.

Tomorrow your dreams are reality.

Your doubts today will be only a memory.

Each day on the table, a feast we see.

Who catches, who cooks, who flavors but thee.

Enjoy Son, breathe deep, new life awaits you there.

I watched on the beach as a bully appeared.

Who drew back his fist and spread his feet?

Aaron did he as he protected his brother; no fight today.

Back to back, they would stand any time, any place.

We only want peace, him and me.  Give us our space.

Larger than life, he towered over all

I coached and I broached an unseen divide.

A head taller than all, why not hit the ball?

But Dad, oh Dad, these guys are 12. I'm only 9. I'm way behind.

How could I not know, so sad was I to expect too much

I’d watch you follow and not be aware

It was just a touch or word I need give

Andy and Opie were we only without the pole

Or the fishin’ hole, but a pair for life, a permanent bond

I loved you more than any man can

Through the fights and fuss of a broken home

I wanted you never to suffer, but life chokes

And fears have teeth and grips like bears

All my efforts were fought and lost I feared

But love shined through those dark dreary days

You stumbled and tripped, and surely you fell

But I was there all the time, each trip each fall

I tear at the thought of the pain of it all

Today I am proud, today I can see

Every pain you felt made you stronger than me

Today stands a man, no kid, no lost soul

Because through love we worked and chiseled a monument

Two totems you will see when you look at the one

The tall one, Aaron as I look up and admire

And he smiles down at me a wide grin and a laugh

He stands tough for his years and smart in his ways

No mountain or valley to high or too deep in his path

Today is full of yesterdays that built this young man

And a pleasure it was with mallet and chisel in hand

As God guided each stroke for it was His plan

I love you Aaron, I love you man!