Thoughts from the underground

As I sit down to write this poem

I wonder of where I may roam

But before I can look ahead

The past of me must be read

And I must take you there

For how much you mean to me with you I must share

All those times you came home tired

It was you I always admired

You provided so much for me

That half the man you are I can only but wish to be

Material things were only a small part

For the greatest thing you gave came from your heart

You always showed that you cared

And whenever I needed you, you were always there

Dad…I know that I am not a very good son

And I know that I don’t make your life much fun

I know that you give me much more than I earn

And I am sorry if it is the hard way I had to learn

There isn’t much I can do to repay you

But offer the one thing I can do

So whenever you feel like being repayed

It is only the words you have to say

So listen carefully to what I offer to do…

Dad…you mean so much to me

That I would die for you!

—Juan M Chavez Jr 1993