March Forth!

My dad turned 76 a couple of weeks ago.  He's been asking me for only one thing:  a poem.  I wrote one for my mom a few years back so it was only fair.  I've had a hard time...I'm not really a poem writer...I just wait for a little ditty to float through my brain and then I write it down.

I wanted to include a lot of things...dad's saggy Levi's, his organized wood shop, stopping by his desk at the university.  It just never came.  My sister suggested I do something with dad's birthday, March 4.  So I did and here it is:

MARCH FORTH!

March Fourth, the day that Dad was born,

Is not a date, it’s a command!

March forth is how he’s lived his life,

And taught us to understand…

March forth when a job is given --

You might as well have fun –

For you can be mad and stomp around

Or just smile and get it done!

March forth to serve your fellow man.

Be kind to all you see.

Faithfully respond to whatever the call…

Be the best that you can be.

March forth through all your days

Enjoying the blessings of life.

Remember what’s real and eternal,

Avoid the evils of strife.

March forth to play as hard as you work

Roaming the world to your hearts desire.

And when you’re home and all worn out,

Take a nap in front of the fire.

March forth to use your God given talents

At home, church, work, school, and play.

“Where much is given, much is required.”

It is sure, you’ll be shown the right way.

March forth in love for your family,

Those on earth or who’ve gone before.

Relationships strong on both sides of the veil

Help you strive for eternity more.

Marching forth has been his motto,

Taught by example to his family.

A woodworker, teacher, disciple, and friend

A good husband and father is he.