The Great Big Man with Great Big Footprints

When I was little, You were this great big man. You taught me a lot. Like how to do math, Proper etiquette when around guests, How to play tennis. You were this big man who had so many stories About his life, he could write a book. You were this big man who was so precise With everything, you amazed me. As the years went by You were still a man, Still with a strong heart. You would still check on my grades. Still teaching me many life lessons. Still helping me in mastering tennis. More time passes. You’re sick but you’re fighting it. I don’t see you as much anymore High school is a lot of work, But I still check on you. You still want me to do my best in school. You still tell me stories of your life and Your mistakes so I don’t make the same ones. You love hearing stories about how I now teach kids to play tennis. You are proud of me And that’s all I have ever wanted. Your health is getting worse and You are in the hospital. It’s painful to see you like this. You’ve been in the hospital for a long time And I’m getting scared. I cry at school and my friends and I pray for you. Finally you are out. You are home. But you can’t get up or move around. You lie there in bed. I’m scared. I want to cry but I know I have to be strong For you and for me. But my sadness has been growing Day by day because I am so worried. I worry how you are really doing. How you feel. I feel helpless. I want to come see you But knowing what might happen In the end Makes me harden and detach. I try to put it out of my mind. I just want you to feel better Because you are still that strong man I once knew.