What Could Have Been

Ninety years old today, if fate had gone another way.

Our Daddy could still be here; how different life would appear.

Childhood tickles, laughter all the while

An arm to hold as we walked down the aisle.

A sense of comfort and secure

No boogiemen could get to us for sure.

“Daddy’s home! Daddy’s home!” would be the cry

For his attention seven would vie.

His thick curly hair and his barrel chest

Against it we still long to be pressed.

He’d teach us to fly-fish, we’d make him so proud

To his friends, our praises expound.

From the parental seat, we’d give him a call

With tales of his grandkids we would enthrall.

Would we dine on rare steaks to celebrate?

Relive ninety years and stay up late?

A cardiac chasm for what could have been

So many dreams died along with him.