Walter Perry Green

You were my Dad.
Nothing like other Dads.
Smart, soft-spoken, serious.
You always beat me
at chess.
We never played
basketball.
You expected 100% in math
Nothing less was acceptable or understood.
You were a scientist, but you bought me
   a piano
   an organ
   a clarinet
   a saxophone
   a guitar
   a flute
   an electric piano
   lessons
You loved my mother
completely.
I never heard you speak a harsh word to anyone.
You loved me quietly and consistently
I loved you back.
I still hear your voice every day
I still feel your presence
twenty-six long years later.
You would have turned 100 last week.
Grammie lived to 99, why couldn't you?
I miss you too much right now.
Today is your day.
Father's Day
Thank you, Dad.