I Turned and You Were Gone I turned around and you were there, Always helping always fair loving smiling full of care. Guiding, touching, helping me learn I turned around and you stood tall; Ready to catch me should I fall. But then I turned and you were gone You had left me alone. And then I turned you were still there in every tree, cloud; everywhere You'll never leave my thoughts, my heart We'll never be so far apart. Because I can't lose a memory of one who was so dear to me So, I turn and I know I'll find as always your smile not far behind. Written March 15, 1979 in memory of my Daddy who passed on April 15, 1978 Daddy if... There was always the cheek turned to the side plant a kiss and say a good night. There were always the hands calloused and worn, from a hard day working the farm. There was sweat on the brow and aches in the bones, always busy making us a home. What did you dream of? What was it you needed, did you think you hadn't succeeded? The brown leathered face from plowing the fields, The tired look in your eyes as you sat down to meals. What did you wish for as a small tiny boy, What would have been a favorite toy? You never had a chance to play; for you it was work from the very first day. You raised your two brothers from the age of nine, when God took your mama before her time. Then you married mama when she was fifteen and started all over to teach life it seemed. She was a child that you again had to raise, and I don't think you ever got your due praise. Then came seven more mouths to feed, ever a minute to just sit and breathe. You worked your fingers to the bone To raise us and feed us and give us Our home. You never were able to just be at peace one more fence to mend and work never to cease. You left such a young man, just fifty seven years old, but the soul of one much older from the way life unfolds. I hope that your in heaven swinging on stars and going barefoot, and fishing on Mars. I hope that your read a story each night Of wondrous treasures with childlike delight. I hope that your in your jammies at dusk and there's no work to do; in that I will trust. I hope you go fishing and catch that big one I hope that your having so much fun. I hope that when God calls me home I find you in a tree house with friends that you've won. I hope that you are the "King of the Hill" and everything gives you such a big thrill. Put your marbles down in the sand, draw that big circle of a boy... not a man.... For Daddy July 30, 2000 Kathalise Martin