A Father In-Deed

This poem is a tribute to my step-father. He is one of the most wonderful men I have ever known. Always kind, with such good intentions. He gives to my mother without falter. He says he loves to serve and he loves my mother. That was the greatest gift he gave me was to love my mum, as she began to transform into a deeper, kinder person, she became more herself. Simply because he accepted her as she is. My mother didn’t accept herself, but overtime slowly she is beginning to feel self esteem. His presence in our lives (children) has been profound as he accepted us unconditionally. He is like an angel in our lives. Quietly in the background giving to whoever comes over. He has shown me the power of humility and gentleness. He never speaks one negative word about anyone, and forgiveness is not really an issue, he is accepting in his nature, allowing of circumstances. He has taught me a lot about peace.

He is a deeply religious man and he tries to apply his faith in life. He is most definitely his brothers keeper, he sees everyone as a brother and would not hesitate in helping people. He has no desire to be the centre of attention or to prove that he is successful, he is very steady, works hard and never complains. He seems to have no limits. I remember once he told me a long time ago that he went to a workshop years ago and you had to lie on the floor. He said he curled up in the fetal position as instructed, then a person would come and try and pull him out of that position. My step father just flopped open, he had no personal space or barriers, he was not afraid of life. In that he is fearless. A true Leo and friend. Interestingly enough his last name is Friend, very fitting. He has always been that to everyone, no discrimination.

So I wrote this for him tonight, as one of the most remarkable men I know. I feel priviledged to know him.

A FRIEND IN-DEED

My dear step-father,
My dear friend,
When I think of you,
I feel kindness,
I see humour,
The clown around town,
With a gentle smile,
Serving friends in peace,
With the innocence and playfulness of a child.

For your life is simple,
Uncluttered by too much thought,
Yet a fountain of knowledge,
On the tip of your pen,
A way with words,
Cursive curling words like the poet,
Like a teacher without teaching,
As no-one knows it,
Yet the impressions run deep,
For you are a living example of charity,
You give without thinking,
You sing without drinking,
For you are your brothers keeper,
You give to friends in need,
A beloved friend in-deed.

For you the word was gospel,
For what you say you get,
As you speaketh you make manifest,
For the Lord is Thy Shepherd,
And to live by faith you are never alone,
For you turn stone into gold,
The greatest alchemy transforms,
As love sees beyond the words and into the heart,
For your wife is the rock,
You are the kite,
She grounds you,
You free her,
To be herself without judgement,
In words of encouragement,
Holding hands in gentle unity,
As love and faith shine the light on your path,
As you value walking together,
A pillar of strength upholding stability,
A lion of great loyalty and ability,
A tradesman undaunted by hard work,
Rock steady until the job is done,
Without complaint you are the sun,
Shining on all those who know you,
Who are in awe of your great love,
For you sit in humility and serve guests,
Washing dishes, cooking food, coffees and teas,
All round without difficulty,
As all guests are welcome at your table,
To share bread and non alcoholic wine,
For this is a real home of hospitality,
As service is your greatest love,
And you serve all without hesitation,
Even when tired,
Or unwell,
You go the extra mile,
As you are asked – with a smile.

Such a man I have never known,
For you are a light in my life,
As you pray for every member of our families,
As one family covered by the lamb,
As you give protection and shelter equally,
As is required,
For many this can only be aspired,
Yet you do it with grace,
You never miss a beat,
You do your best,
for this is the test,
As you take your seat,
At the right hand side of god.

Thank you for being a wonderful man in my life. You showed me the beauty of men and the great strength of gentleness. Something I will never forget.

I love you.