you should know your papa 
was smitten with your little self,

walked with springs in the balls of his feet, 
danced without rhythm, 

drove with music turned up too loud for conversation,
baptised himself regularly au naturel in the pond,

licked his fingers as a member of the Shiny Plate Club,
removed lids from drive-thru sodas for proper gulps,

saved his best stories for dessert,
savored the best bourbon neat,

knew the most fun was to be had in close calls,
(even funner if it meant running)

never said “I’m sorry” or “I love you” 
unless in the moment the words rang true

you should know 
your papa was smitten with you

*a Father’s Day holdover for my grandson