Friendly figure hovers around my warm cradle,
Memories of our walks, holding my tiny hand on the safe side of the road,
Occasional chastisements with the cautionary rod,
Moments I felt love was too difficult to handle;

But growing in mature understanding,
Love meant taking hard decisions,
Not pandering to filial emotions,
Daily praying, guarding and guiding;

My dear old man,
I owe it all to you,
Your great insight has proven true,
Thanks for making me, my own man.