Papa: †King and I

In memory of my late father. His love, courage, and sacrifice created and inspired the force in my life.

Papa,

Your Spirit guides me! ‡ In a dream you spoke to me of that Redwood tree…

No, not the one I climbed as a little girl claiming victory

Yes, those which grow and grow and grow like an endless summer dream

And in a blink you and your dream are one

But now that dream is no more

I miss you Papa…My sadness grows and grows and grows

Unlike your “green valley” I am surrounded by dark peaks

They grow and grow and grow

Yes, I do remember your words

My Sweet girl

In and of itself, purity lies in folds

Not unlike a Matryoshka doll

If one peels the onion leaves, it is taxing to find what lies beneath

Still, you may see the lies unfold, or reveal its soul

Papa, I have peeled and peeled and peeled away

And found that which reveals a sacred word

Within the doll yonder stored

Papa, behold

Tree I climbed as a little girl is smaller than that which I now hold

Why yes my sweet girl, as children grow so too trees of force

But mark my words; For not all will a fortune be in store

For there are birds whose flight are meant to be cut short

My sweet girl, take heed of those who lie in wait

As a nest of blue birds sing sweet like angels’ breaths

So too by vultures cries one finds their branched home

Halt! I remind you

Know when to capture and when to cut the tree where these birds nest

True to form I enjoyed walking life like a “desert dagger”

Hunting to stay alive and keep my strength

Regrettably I too hurt those who innocently crossed my path

But in the end, t’s was I who became haggard

Still, none sorrier as am I to make you cry

That in my stubborn streak you were not there to see me die

In the end, t’s was fate and not I that did spare thee pain I could no longer hide

And so I’m thankful to have you remember me as once you did

Yes, you my little “Red Baron” and I your Ace-of-Aces

For I keep my sweet memory of you in our last embrace

Papa, my memories of you are as sweet as that sweet bread you baked especially for me.

Still, in life’s decisions you will not be completely satisfied or so I’m told 

For I too found not that which I was searching for

Instead it found me

Cry not in anger of why I’m gone

Or who took part

For I’ve had my final combat

My sweet, my journey in this world is done

As fine actors’ make their entrances to play or sing

We too must keep our heads up high till we finally leave the stage

Until we meet again to lead our entourage or squadron wing

In time, my sweet girl, search no more

For our eyes will meet in your brothers’ watchful pilot gloat

And hear loudly my endless vociferous voice in his children’s laugh and joy

My Sweet

My time has come and gone

And now I lay me down to sleep

For find me you will under a Joshua tree that keeps me company

Where as a child I will listen endlessly grasping my favorite toy

As you shower me with tears of love, pride and joy

My Father’s Daughter, †King and I, I have taken my rightful place.

Papa, Happy Father’s Day!

“I have run I have crawled

I have scaled these city walls…

I have spoke with the tongue of angels

I have held the hand of a devil…

But I still haven’t found

What I’m looking for…”

“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”

Song by U2

Source: LyricFind