The Better Man

Younger than my years I was
When I first was on my own
A better man I strove to be
With wife and kids in tow

For love and strength and council true
They would have to go
A better man I must become
A better man they must know

Too firm a hand I had at times
And gentle words to few
For this better man's ways
Were hard for me and all together new

Once I was a better man
In days not long ago
Up strong and kind
Our kids we raised to grow

Have I become a better man
The one I strove to be
I see my kids and who they've become
And sometimes think... maybe

But in my heart l've always known
That just a man I'll be

John Pope July 6, 2011