9 January 2013
#bestofopuss/Toms
My father never seemed to change Not even as I grew, With hair as white as buttermilk And eyes of cornflower blue.
I've walked aside him many a time As boy and youth and man, Cross hills and dales and meadow Through vales where rivers ran.
His heart was strong, his stride was long And his head was always high, Yet gentle too, if need be To dry those tears I cry.
I've seen him fell a six foot man With blow from his strong right arm Yet stoop to help a fledgling fly Lest it should come to harm.
He was always true to mother Right up to this day, Though he had an eye for the ladies And many a chance to stray.
Blood is thicker than water boy He'd often say to me Let nothing on this good green earth Come 'fore your family.
As I walk aside him one last time In his box of polished yew The air is sweet as buttermilk And the sky is cornflower blue.
Tom May
A Countryman, My Father • Opuss № I