Tender Words

Tender words and gentle touches
Cost so little, mean so much.
Give me not your gold and silver
Offer me a gentle touch.
I don't care for macho tough guys.
Save me from the rude and crude.
Kindly was the man who raised me;
Are there any more so good?

Daddy I have searched all over
For another in your mold.
Guess God must have made you special,
You're now just my story told.
I didn't know the world was evil
Under your protective wing.
It was full of childhood wonders
And the little gifts you'd bring.

Your pockets were not lined with silver,
There would be a coin or two
To buy an ice-cream for your daughter
And another one for you.
I would sit with small feet dangling
Thinking the whole world was mine
With my daddy there beside me,
On my tongue that taste divine.

When you planned your big truck garden
There would always be a row
Of bright flowers for my mamma
Just because you loved her so.
When I meet you up in Heaven,
Which I know is where you are,
You'll come toward me with a big grin
And my favorite candy bar.

Joyce 6/4/03