When I was small
You seemed to be a character
Straight from the pages
Of the storybooks
You would read to me at bedtime.
An unappreciated genius
Tall and strong enough
To make me fly like an aeroplane.

When you came in from work tired
I would tiptoe past the sleeping giant
And you would pull me in for a hug
Warm and safe.
When it was my turn to be tired
I would ride on your shoulders
Pretend I was as tall as you
And let you join in my adventures
Through fairytale lands.

You were the patient one,
As I struggled over the maths problems
My dreamer brain
Could never seem to understand
But was another thing you
Were good at.
You would amaze at my
Appetite for books
And encourage me
To keep my head in the clouds.
Now I see that we are more alike
Than I would have ever forseen
Despite the differences
I used to think were mountainous.

I think of you with every song I play
And know you're thinking of me
As you do the same.
Although I've grown too much
To still ride on your shoulders
You've remained a part of my adventures
As we instead walk side by side.
Even now, I still see you
As an unappreciated genius
And my safety net
The strong, sleeping giant
With the gentlest heart I know.