KEEP THE MONSTERS AWAY

As time carries on and I remain here today,
Your memories of my youth ingrained in my brain,
They bleed like the ink when a pen hits the page.
There's a story to tell that remains here to stay.
Your existence within me shines like a flame,
A window of reflection that spells out your name.
The love that you shared in all that you made,
Shows you made a difference in the past and today.
We continue to grow and add boards to the dock,
That carry us above water and let us soar like a hawk.
Traditions and morals, the manners you gave,
The kindness you shared. I remember your grave,
So gentle and wise, you had your own way.
Now today I will speak to you as I pray,
Your light shines brightly each and every day.
Because I am your future — in me, you remain.
Our past is your present, our present remains,
For our children will learn from the mistakes you once made.
Because I absorbed the lessons, the wrongs that you made,
In the stories you told of upsets and dismay,
I cherish the good in the bad till today,
And pass this on for my children one day,
To be confident and choose wise as they carry out their day.
And remember the lessons they learn in their day come from Grandpa,
My dad, my best friend, you remain carved in the tractor,
That we together used for hay, like the root from the seed,
Our hay grew strong, like the love that you shared,
With the woman I call Mom. Mom stands strong,
She carries your name and she never forgets the day,
That you came to her life and you gave her the seed,
That's now passed — you spread to four boys,
And your memories now last as we carry your legacy across the field of dirt.
As I drag your favorite plow and I reshape this earth,
With the pain and the memories of the good that you shared,
And the lessons you taught us — let us all know you cared.
Now I can truly lay in my bed, be confident in my ways,
That are burned in my head. I passed them along,
To my son and three daughters, as I walk on that dock,
Out into open waters, the bridge almost built,
Across the vast violent waves as they crash over the boards,
And wash pain away. I remember your name when I harvest this hay,
From the root of a seed grows a new sunny day.
Sun's so strong brings burns to my feet,
As I walk on this dock where my kids love to meet.
I say Grandpa built this dock so you all feel safe,
From the rough open water that washes fear away.
So remember his name and all that he gave,
Walk into life, feel safe, and be brave.
I'll remember you father, as you are my name,
You taught me how to keep the monsters away.