A Belated Grace
by Richard J. Kent
Make me half the man my father was
And I'll know that I've been blessed.
Give me half his courage and loving care
And a kingdom I'll possess.
When I was young and foolish
I heard but didn't hear
His words of wisdom, his sound advice,
The need to persevere.
When I grew older and wiser,
I saw what I hadn't seen:
His strength to cope with adversity
And do it with dignity.
No need for the Ten Commandments
When I came to a fork in the road.
I had only to think what he would have done
And again, he'd carry my load.
Make me half the father to my two sons
As the father he was to me
And I know that I will rest at peace
Throughout eternity.