In His Steps: For My Dad

It can be hard to put into words the legacy of a person.  I wrote this poem for my Dad for his 80th birthday last December as an attempt to capture what he means to our family.  I share it in honor of Father’s Day.

A Portrait of My Dad

For David Berns

A baby in his arms, a child on a knee,
His favorite place is with family.
Whether at work or play or song,
In his fold, we want to belong.

Toys, pranks, and jokes at play,
A kid at heart, he will always stay.
Never too silly, a little bit ornery,
On his team, we want to be.

Others give him what went wrong,
So he can fix it firm and strong.
To watch him work tool in hand,
By his side, we want to stand.

Hands deep in soil to plant a seed,
Feet quick to neighbors still in need.
Harvest to others he will bestow,
Amid his love, we want to grow.

A gentle spirit lights his face,
Peacemaker, extravagant in grace.
Roots of wisdom in our family tree,
Through his eyes, we want to see.

Tenderly he carries a share of sorrow,
Assured God holds our every tomorrow.
What once was lost, we soon will receive,
As his faith, we want to believe.

A breath of prayer from the start,
Praise from his lips and joy in his heart.
A faith in God will he simply bring,
In his harmony, we want to sing.

Secure in Christ’s victory foretold,
With faithful hope, he lets life unfold.
His trust in God will never hollow,
So in his steps, we want to follow.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!!!