As a young kid, he feared his dad's growl
His booming voice weakened his knees
Dad did not like slacking
And he used his words to remind

Now as man, he misses dad's counsel
Before his Old Man joined his forefathers
Time had mellowed him
He now picked his words and adjusted his tone
And for this, son was thankful

Sharp words had turned to soothing words
The growl gone, replaced by wise whispers
The message, clearer
The son, more receptive
Unfortunately,  the old man is now gone
Luckily , his final words remain