I'm writing this to you dear Dad
A sombre anniversary I must admit
But I wanted you to realise
My reason for acknowledging it
And now a full twenty two years to the day
Is when you were called to a heavenly place
I still speak to you as though yesterday and
In my mind there's an intricate image of your face
A cruel twist was that day was also your birthday
Celebrations and happiness and gifts
Whoever dreamed the looming disaster
Would sever our lives with a savage rift
Oh so wonderfully I recollect my childhood
Sunshine, laughter and many happy days
Etched in the safe lockers of my memory
A host of occasions will securely stay
Twenty three Christmases have been and gone
The twenty fourth is soon to be here
How I ache for just one more time
To celebrate with you and hold you near
My gift to you wouldn't need bows and ribbons
It would be all the love in my heart, and then some more
You know I will always love you forever
By that you can place great store
The day will involve the customary festivities
We will smile and make most of the day
But after all these years still missing you like we do
Our best present would be for you to visit and stay