We have a tradition here
Handed down from year to year
Just some silly rhymes
On a few scribbled lines

This one is for you son
There will be no exception
Something you shouldn’t miss
For someone of great promise

For how would you know?
The joy of watching you grow
Or the strength you communicate
And the smiles that you generate

The love that you give
Trying hard to forgive
With a heart to bless
With all that you possess

With you I find no fault
Like truth locked in a vault
There’s no one quite like you
Or anyone who can do what you do

Like take an empty bowl
And produce a tuna casserole
Make me eggs, toast, and bacon
Before I knew what you were makin

Are you keeping a zoo?
What are you up to?
You need to get rid of some
Like that thing in the aquarium

How do you keep them alive?
How long do those things survive?
Only one thing that I wish
Can I feed your crayfish?

Good are your labors
Caring for our neighbors
And those poor souls on the road
When my anger unloads

The homeless on the street
You give a bite to eat
When you find yourself a friend
They’re with you to the end

Now the one thing I see
Is you playing that Galaxy
A device with the gumption
To gobble all your attention

Hang on to your dreams
Don’t misplace your schemes
Great things that I picture
All wait in your future

Now that your sixteen
And all that you’ve seen
Down many miles
And through many trials

There’s a lot of life to live
And so much more to give
Let that be your heart
To the day that you depart

Happiness I’ve known
Seeing how you’ve grown
And love covers all
Even when we fall

I’m so thankful to know you
And remember this too
Today, have joy and be merry
But you are always extraordinary

Love, Dad