Father's Pride

Father's Pride

It's not in the folds
Of his wallet,
The layed over layers
Of green paper.

It's in the plastic
The protective casing,
For the images
Held closest to his heart.

It's not in the square footage
Of the house.
Nor in the acres
Of the yard.

It's in those hash-marks on the wall,
Marking the height of his greatest joy.
It's in the scraped knees
And in the climbed trees.

It's not in his boss' recognition
Of a job well done.
Nor in the length of his title
On the sign outside his door.

It's in the shirts, mugs, and cards
That say #1 Dad.
It's in the length of his patience,
Which will be tested everyday.

It's not in the trophies,
Even if winning is fun.
Nor in the medals,
Even if he's happy to see them shine.

It's in all the hard work,
The dedication and diligence.
It's in the faces of those other kids,
Teammates made happy by their child's spirit.

It's not in his child's bank account,
Even though he wants them to be well.
Nor in his child's job title,
Even though he wants them to succeed.

It's in his child's heart,
Their compassion for others of all fortune.
It's in his child's selflessness,
Their willingness to do and be for others.

If the father can feel
That his children are of love,
Genuine love,
Then pride comes naturally.

I will always
Be of love,
Because I am loved
By a proud father.