All I want to hear
At the end of each day
This is all I want:
My wife to say
With truth and meaning
With gravitas land:
“My husband…
…is a great man.”
When I come home
From working hard
My kids see me walking in
From the yard
And mom bends down
Points as I stand:
“Your dad…
…is a great man.”
Just like that
With that pause and inflection
Those words heal me
And give me direction
I want to be honored
By those who love me
Deep
I want to matter
When I lay down and sleep.
Oh, how I want my grandkids to hear—
On my bed,
Eyes closed
And resting,
Close to eternal blessing
—from their folks
Holding theirs
And my hand:
“Your grandad…
…was a great man.”
A Different Kind Of Speaking 