Daddy

I remember Saturdays in the yard,

Mama and the girls cleaning the house

And you and I pulling weeds

I remember going fishing with you

And the beautiful silent moments we shared

So as not to scare the fish

I remember when we got home

And you taught me

How to gut and clean the fish

I remember the smell of the fish frying

And that special piece of Catfish for Mama

I remember you teaching me to light the BBQ pit

 And I know that it takes patience and time

 I remember how you cleaned the ribs pulling back

 That layer of skin so the juices would flow

I remember how you seasoned without overdoing it

And rubbing the dry mustard into the chicken

And I remember your special trick of placing

The meat in the oven at a low temperature to get it tender

I remember being in the back yard

And using your shadow as shade from the sun

I remember trying to match your steps

And wondering how you could possibly walk so fast

I remember you teaching me to ride my bike

Promising to not let go and when I looked back

You were still there holding on until I was ready

I remember falling

And when tears filled my eyes

You encouraged me to try again

And I remember succeeding

And the look of pride on your face

I remember Daddy, I remember it all