(Excerpt from the book, Tales From Heritage Farm)  This poem is written in honor of my own dear Dad, Ervin A. Yankee.

 

Dad, do you remember when

First you saw my baby face?

It was red and scrunched together,

Still I was yours, in any case.

 

Do you remember, Dad

How you used to carry me?

You held me in your big, strong arms.

I rested comfortably.

 

I hurt so deeply long ago,

The day my puppy died.

Can you still see those second-grade tears?

I could not help but cry.

 

Remember when you taught me how

To ride my new, green bike?

You steadied me, then let me go–

From then on, no more trike . . .

 

. . . You took my brother, Jim, and me

On trips out to the cabin;

Pony rides and ice cream cones–

Memories worth havin’. . .

 

 

. . . Remember  when you brought me home

To show me my new sister?

I longed to stay and play with her,

But I just hugged and kissed her.

 

The day I left for college,

It was hard to say good-bye.

Yet your confidence in me

Gave me strength to try.

 

Remember how sweet it was,

Our hearts were filled with joy,

You and Mom had another son–

A towhead baby boy.

 

Remember the day you held my hand

And squeezed it for a while?

You walked me to my lover’s arms

As we walked down that long aisle.

 

Now you have a bunch of kids

Who love to call you, “Grandpa.”

Can you believe I have seen the day

When one can call me, “Grandma?”

 

Dad, I hope you realize

That we love you so.

You’re dear Dad and fun Grandpa

I just had to tell you so.

 

photo credit: Johnson, Ashland, WI
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