More Precious than Gold

Family is always there
But seldom do I see
With eyes in focus
On what they mean to me

Taken for granted
The time that we spend
Together for ever
Not so in the end

Love, joy and laughter
As our family grows
We spend our time together
The highs and the lows

Fathers and mothers
The young and the old
Time spent together
More precious than gold

There will come a time someday
When sorrow fills our hearts
Of those who must remain
When loved ones will depart

Time will take its toll
On even the closest to us
And death will have its end some day
Though it does not seem just

So focus on what you have today
Tomorrow is not a promise
Love your family here and now
Without count for what it costs

Family is just a word to me
And it includes so much more
Than just my blood relation
Though they are at the core

Friends I speak of also
The people closest to your heart
Love and laugh together
As if tomorrow you will part


John Pope May 17th 2012

Like a creek through the woods

Happy Anniversary Marla!
31 years, I deserve a medal ............ I'm kidding



Like a creek through the woods


31 years is a long time you see
A long time to be
Stuck with a guy
A guy like me

We've loved and we've laughed
We've fought and we've cried
We've stood by our kids
Our hearts filled with pride

Together or apart
Through the bad and the good
Love carries us onward
Like a creek through the woods

Our time grows shorter
And it won't be long
Weakness will replace 
Our bodies, once strong

Love in my heart
I will still feel
When I lean over and whisper
From my rocking chair

I love you

Today I gave away my daughter

From the babe in my arms
I'd shield from all harm
To freckles and curls
More precious than pearls

From the first time I heard
The four greatest words
From the heart of a child
Her face bright and so happy
The four greatest words
"I love you Daddy"

To her first day of school
We watched her go
With a skip in her step
And an innocent smile
Off on an adventure
If just for a while

From bouncing little pigtails
And those yucky little boys
To sitting on my lap
With her favorite toys

From Christmas at Grandma's
To birthdays with cake
From stuffed little babies
To the kitchen to bake

From good times to bad times
From laughing to tears
From sharing her excitement
To calming her fears

From spelling bees
And volleyball
To London and Haiti
To answer a call

From high school tests
And nights spent dreaming
To working through college
She found herself in the doing

From crushes to heart ache
From the wins and the loss
I have watched over and protected
Without thought for the cost

But my heart is full
On this greatest of days
From infant to bride
My baby girl fills me with pride

From today til forever
She commits her love to another
With a kiss and a ring
You are both bound together

To the man of her dreams
With this I do charge you
Show her your love
Everyday of your life

No matter the cost
No matter the strife
For my daughter is worth it
Together is life

Forgive me one and all
If my words seem one sided
A candle has dimmed
Though it remains lighted

Another candle is lit
And it burns oh so bright
Not a flicker but a flame
I saw in their eyes
As she took a new name

So today we celebrate
I, with all of my heart
Two hearts as one
Never to part

Today I gave away my daughter

John Pope April 28th 2012