Grit
A poem for my father
Today is my mom and dad’s 36th wedding anniversary.
My mom left this physical plane earlier this year.
The thing that both my parents had that built 36 years of happy marriage is the same thing that I have seen in my dad every single day since my mom died - Grit.
We think it has to be fancy or complicated, but sometimes that’s all there is to push us through challenging times (plus maybe a little whiskey and some Ryan Bingham music).
It ain’t easy, but maybe it’s simple.
I wrote this poem for my dad on Father’s Day, and it feels appropriate to publish today.
Happy anniversary mom and dad!
Love is eternal.
Grit is the texture that reminds us it’s real.
Grit
I remember your old adage, “do as I say, not as I do.” But all these years of watching you, Push through… There’s something special inside…but no it’s not like the woo-woo… No, magic ain’t it. This is something else. Created with work, forged in the fire, You keep moving forward, as if you never get tired. But I know at times your heart feels weary. Walker’s song comes on, the whole bunkhouse gets teary. “But you pick up your crazy heart, and give it one more try, Cuz this ain’t no place for the weary kind.” Somehow you keep showing up, So positive and steady. There’s something special in there that keeps on going, Even when you don’t feel ready. It’s that thing that gives you resolve, Keep walking the long road, and weaknesses dissolve. Gravel has a certain appeal, that diamonds never could, Honesty, Truth, Grit - the real things that make life good. No flashy, false exteriors; Life ain’t easy and that’s the truth. But that’s what gives us character, bonds us together, Allows us to make it through the stormy weather. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend… But I’d have to agree, the gravel has more appeal; You have to taste the grit to know when something is real. The gravel road may not shine and shimmer, but it’ll sure take you somewhere. Gives you something to stand on, helps keep you on your way… “Lord knows you gotta stand your ground, To keep the wolves at bay.” I’m lucky my father taught me about grit, but not with words or advice. I don’t always listen to what you say, but what I see, no diamonds could equal the price. Over and over again, showing up through and through, I sure hope I can do a little more of doing as you do.