"DADDY, I FIND YOU THERE"/Remembering Dad on Father's Day

"Daddy, I Find You There"
By Deb Lambert

You were not a gardener, leaving the
finer points of horticulture to my mother,
while you created the walls, fences and structures
that formed the bones of her gardens.

And, yet, you had your favorites - plants you championed,
perhaps because of the persistent nature of these volunteers -
plants that were to be left undisturbed by all resident gardeners,
well beyond the confines of picket fences and garden walls.

In a glimpse of the first spring violet,
unfurling above heart-shaped leaves,
In the fragrance of lily of the valley,
its bells pealing out spring's intentions,
In the pure white, perfect rays of an
unkempt drift of wild daisies,
In the cheery sunshine of the much-maligned
dandelion, which you defended,
I find you there.

As the spring sun warms my aging joints,
As the wild birds sing songs of courtship,
As your favorite 'Big Boy' tomatoes set fruit,
And as the little dog, you so loved, watches me garden...
Daddy, I find you there.


©Deb Lambert 2008