Goodbye For Now

By Robert J. S. T. McCartney

 

You had a way about you,

Words were worn like a shoe.

You just knew what to say and do,

There won’t be another dad like you.

 

You were an example of what the best can be,

Now I only hope you’ll be able to see;

The fruits of your labors and watch them blossom.

 

We loved you in big ways, and we loved you in small ways;

Unexpired and transcendent of time;

You were Dad, and you were mine;

Ours.

 

You never asked for much,

And now we miss your touch.

The cold has come and set in,

And our grief…where to begin?

Our hearts are heavy, and we know not what to do,

Dad, what are we do without you?

 

And so, we lay you to rest today,

But before you go, I just wanted to say;

I love you,

Bye, bye;

Au revoir;

Toodaloo;

Arrivederci;

Auf wiedersehen;

Bye, bye;

Only for now.

 

Read 11/30/2018

For Dad

By Robert J. S. T. McCartney

 

What can I say except that I love you?

What words can I find to say that I’ll miss you?

Words… there are so many that I could choose—

None though can describe the void that now dwells within.

 

You were my dad, and although some of the times seemed bad,

I hope you know I was never mad.

You did what you could,

I know that I should—

Have sought you out sooner.

Because later has come and now…

You’re gone.

 

I’m glad that I got to see you and make amends,

To show you an example of a man;

I had become and noted all the nuances,

I saw that we were more alike,

Even though miles and years apart.

 

I’m happy you got to see your grandchildren,

That twinkle in your eye.

I could tell you were proud of me,

And I of you.

 

So even though you’re gone from the here and now and ascended to the stars above,

I hope grandma, grandpa, uncle Pat, and everyone else welcome you home.

I hope one day you’re there;

Waiting for me,

The rest of us,

A family reunion.

Where we bask in each other’s company,

That we can all catch up.

 

I loved you then, and I love you now,

I know though that when I say goodbye, it’s just for now.

 

With love,

Your Son