My Poem To My Dad

I am so proud that you were my dad
You saw me through the good and the bad
Always there, guiding me through
Your love and support were always so true

We went away as a family every year
Southport and St.Annes, walking along the pier
Playing penny arcade games, we had so much fun
Playing on the beach, riding donkeys in the sun

You loved your cricket, watching Yorkshire play
Using your season ticket, come what may
Your love for the game rubbed off on me
I would play, you’d umpire and mum would make tea
You’d smoke your pipe, umpiring at square leg
Puffs of smoke in the air, “Howzat” we would beg

You loved the Rhinos, “marching on together”
A big fan of rugby, you followed them forever
You didn’t watch football but supported several clubs
You didn’t know the players or any of the subs

You’d go to Barnbow Club almost every Friday night
Play dominoes, have a few beers, for you that was alright
Bev and I would wait up, listening for the door
You’d bring us fish and chips, we couldn’t ask for more

You liked a little tipple, a glass of wine or two
Occasionally a Remi or even a sherry would do
For breakfast you’d have a cuppa along with something sweet
A salmon sandwich at lunch time was your little treat
Then cheese and crackers before you went to bed
Brie, Camembert and pickles was your little spread

You loved going to Napoleons, proper service at the table
You would have gone there every week if you were able
You’d spend ages warming your brandy, round and round in your hand
When Andy drank his cold, you’d never understand

You’d have your little rituals before you would go out
Every time, without fail, we would hear you shout
“Baccy, matches, pipe, handkerchief, comb, keys and money”
You did it every time and we’d always find it funny

The day you walked me down the aisle
Was my proudest day by a mile
We walked through the church, arm in arm
With you by my side I felt so calm

You and mum taught Bev and I right from wrong
We grew up together, your love for us was so strong
I’m sure we tested your patience over the years
We did have some laughs and also shed some tears

We now have to live without you being here
It’s going to be so hard, I know we’ll shed a tear
We’ll try our best to make you proud when you look at us from above
I’ll carry on talking to you, emphasising my love

So, for now, it’s farewell dad, I’ll miss you every day
Good night, God bless, I love you in every single way