Edelweiss Teardrops (For Pappy)

You promised me daffodils

And meandering spring .

Sun rays on window sills

And flying on swings.

You gave me the moon

And you gave me the stars .

You gave me my horses

And you bandaged my scars.

You tickled my toes

And you wiggled my ears .

You stole off my nose

And you stifled my tears.

You loved me in daytime .

You loved me in night .

You drank coffee at tea time .

And saved me from fright.

You gave me your creamers

And shared your whole cake .

You made up my leaf piles

And never made me rake.

You laughed at my movies .

Called me, Minnie Mouse .

You told me war stories

And brightened my house.

You read me the comics ,

Had me sit on your knee .

You asked only for snickers

Or a kiss maybe three.

You lightened my darkness .

Comforted my strife .

Chased away all my worries ,

Making my life.

I grew up yours only

And never gave doubt .

You were my pappy

And I was your scout.

And when days were ending ,

I flew back to you

To comfort and be there ,

Which you knew I would do.

We watched our last Skelton .

Our last Lawrence Welk .

We conquered the darkness ,

And struggled through hell.

I listened to breathing .

Just waiting to hear

The echo of silence ,

The like which I fear.

I sang you my songs

You always enjoy .

I never was wrong ,

You’d say “Nice work Roy”.

The days started slowing

But I stayed by your side .

I held your hand grieving

And watching you die.

But none shall yet know

How slow time goes by .

Or the length of a heartbeat

In wait of a sigh.