A Message To My Father

Dear Dad, 

I first want to address that time in the garage,

That time where I attacked you with a verbal barrage.

The things I said were my purest thoughts at the time,

But those very thoughts derived from a manipulated mind. 

I am not writing you to say sorry or to thrive on the past,

because as you said, men move on and rough times don't last. 

Instead I want to tell you that I love you Dad, I really do,

And the best times of my life were spent with you.

Throwing the football, casting the poles, the thousands of hours we spent on the road,

All moments that were better lived than told.

Dad we hiked Old Rag mountain, on our way up singing Biggie Smalls,

Then slept in a tent, hundreds of miles away from the nearest mall.

I’m going to miss hanging with you on your days off,

Hitting the gym, catching a movie, and even watching the Sunday kickoff's.

You introduced me to the more fun things in life, things I'll one day share with my son,

But trust me that won't be anytime soon Dad, my life has just begun.

You did everything you could to prepare me for life outside of "4507",

and the principles you inscribed within me will accompany me until I reach heaven.

Thank you for getting me to this point, and from here my dedication will show,

I know what needs to be done, and for this reason success is something I will not fall below.

I love you dad, and I wish my more of my childhood could have been spent with you,

But now I have a degree to pursue. 

                                                         Love,

                                                        Clifton Monger III