The Christmas you gave me the hammer Mom told be you were dieing Dad said you passed me the torch I have been pounding nails 35 years since you died I never use your hammer

Rolling thru the harbor in a little Grey work skiff Standing tall as a mast Counting empty slips as ships passed Wheel in one hand broom in the other Never went to sea but you were a hell of a Captain

I watched you grow old at the counter of the hardware store Smell of sawdust, coffee and a distant cigarette As your rough hands wrinkled, the twinkle in your eyes grew brighter You repaired screen doors

The cold light of the winter's morning sun cuts thru my good intentions, lasts nights spirits, now drain cleaner my pride pricked, slinking back to the mundane life i have learned to love

I told you all about my day the dog rolled on her back and i rubbed her belly with my woolly sock covered toe you left me 3 years ago but i know you didn't want to your sister helped me buy your tomb stone,