SECRET, SACRED PACT

 

 

The sausage and eggs would wake me,
and I'd jump from my cozy comfortable summer bed-
Stand at his chairside and plead my daily case,
my wishes to go with him, as he patted my head.

 

He'd cup my tiny face within his calloused rough palms,
kiss the tip of my nose just before he would say,
I'll be too busy to watch over you, maybe tomorrow-
besides, I have other plans for you today.

 

I need you to help your Mother,
and do some things here around the house-
Like play with the puppies and pet the kittens,
and keep an eye out for that pesky mouse.

 

When you are through with all those chores,
take your shovel and dig us some worms-
I heard that 'ol catfish jumpin',
then he'd tickle me, and I'd giggle and squirm.

 

My frown would never stay long,
for Mom always knew just the right things to say,
She'd take a bite from one of her sugar cookies,
and then dress-up, we'd play.

 

She'd fix her hair, and paint red her lips and nails,
while I watched and eagerly learned-
She'd dab on perfume, and give me a spray or two,
we'd walk to the store, I'd spend the dime she claimed I earned.

 

Soon my morning girly girl time would be over,
and to nature and the yard I would go-
My tomboyish ways would always overpower-
besides, sissies couldn't go to the fishin' hole.

 

That was the secret sacred pact between Dad and I,
and as for the 'ol catfish, well he was never caught-
The creek eventually ran dry, like Dad's time here on earth ,
but now everyday is Father's Day, in my memories and thoughts.