Hiking ‘round the lake with Dad Saw a couple glide across the blue We shared a look The same idea Yeah We had to try that too Hit the shops We checked each tag Til we found that perfect pair Strapped them down and drove back laughing Summer shining everywhere He was still on solid ground While he swore he was sailing out Paddling hard Going nowhere Spinning slow in a half‑turned doubt I was sure he was right behind me But he was circling by the dock somehow “I thought I was on my way to you” he said “Instead I was still on solid ground” I slid in first It felt like flying Water holding all my weight Turned around Expecting Dad To be right there riding my wake He dug in strong Face determined Kayak stubborn as a stone Til some stranger Grinning kindly Called “Want a little push along?” (hey!) He was still on solid ground While he swore he was sailing out Paddling hard Going nowhere Spinning slow in a half‑turned doubt I was sure he was right behind me But he was circling by the dock somehow “I thought I was on my way to you” he said “Instead I was still on solid ground” Out there laughing on that water Sunset burning soft and low I saw the years like little ripples All the ways he helped me grow And now he’s the one uncertain Missing strokes Turned all around But side by side We keep on floating He was still on solid ground While he swore he was sailing out Paddling hard Going nowhere Til a stranger spun his boat about I was sure he was right behind me But he was learning how that freedom sounds “I thought I was on my way to you” he said “Instead I was still on solid ground” Dad and I Two specks on water Drifting easy Homeward bound He smiles “Guess I finally made it” Both of us off solid ground As the years moved on God took him home on a sunny day I miss you more than you know Memories of you will always stay I love you Dad
