I thank my dad
For my strength of character
My mum
For the written word
To them both for tenacity
Though neither for warmth
And from some of the things
As a child, seen and heard
I sometimes wonder
Why they stayed together
And would never aspire
To an unequal love
Held together by children
And faith in above
But despite years of "existence"
No pleasure, or gain
The dynamics shifted
And when push came to shove
When my father so strong
Let life's pressures get in
Fell to panic, depression
Fear of death, light wore thin
My mother,
strong from her own quiet pain
Brow beaten and trodden down
Rose up, drew him close,
Helped him tackle his fears
Helped him realise that strength
Is not tough, harsh, verbose
His eyes were opened
And though late on in years
They at last grew together
My father much softer
My mother much loved