For my dad

It's not by the gold in his pocket
that measures the wealth of a man
but the gentleness of his touch
as he says "I understand".

It's the love in his eyes
the warmth of his smile
and the openness within his heart
that makes others feel worthwhile.

It's the richness of friends that surround him
for of himself he's willing to give
it's love returned by those around him
wherever he happens to live.

Wealth is not just in a palace
for the richest of men
lives within the heart of others
whatever his home has been.

He can be the poorest of travelers
without a possession for others to see
but the goodness that is all around him
makes him a rich man to me.

04131979