Smiles and a smoke ring

    I closed my eyes and remembered you. Your pants were baggy and the white undershirt with sleeves rolled up was the look I remember. Your shoes were always shined and your hair neatly combed. There was more often than not a camel dangling from your lips and you delighted me by blowing smoke rings until I laughed and laughed that made you laugh. You weren’t a tall man but the biggest man I had ever known as I always was looking up to you. At the town parade you would set me on your shoulders, so I could see everything, you showed me how to salute the flag as it passed us by. Your hands were rough, and your heart was big and true. Your other favorite clothes to wear were all green with many shiny medals, you explained to me what they all meant and sometimes you would get sad and be quiet for a little while. I grew up and wore a uniform to that made you proud of me in ways only a father could know. I think of you everyday of my life dad, but today I close my eyes and reach deeply into my memories hoping my thoughts reach you and bring a smile on a smoke ring
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