After a 90 year run, my father passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. In memory of him, here’s a poem he wrote for my son, Preston, that pretty much encapsulates him. I hope you enjoy it.
FISHING STREAMS
For my Grandson, Preston
by Ralph Ely
My Grandson when you have older grown
I’ll take you to a place I’ve known
At Midnight, noontime, dusk or dawn
I want to show you where I’ve gone
To find my freedom…….and I want to be
In the boat with you and have you see
And learn from me, oh Grandson of mine
How to cast a fishing line!
For I’ve been young and too well I know
The rocky road your feet must go
But I know, too, a path that clings
To a wooded hill where the quail sings;
Where dogwood grows and oak and pine
And all I ask, oh grandson of mine,
Is to row the boat for you some day
Along the shore where the willows sway
To be with you when first you feel
A leaping bass unwind your reel!
I want you to sleep as I have slept
Beneath the heavens reach, star swept
I want the dawns first gold betide
To waken something deep inside
I want you, my boy, to learn to take
Your troubles to a shining lake
And lose them there, and so I wish
Oh, Grandson of mine that your may fish
And for your sake I ask that God
Will grant you the joys of a fishing rod!
Love – Grandpa
Wow :co now i know why Preston is the way he is. He had a grampa that loved him that much.
This is awesome but heartbreaking at the same time
My condolences to you and your family Roger
Peace
I have fond memories of being out on the boat fishing with grandpa. Love you dad.
Roger- I am so sorry to hear your dad has passed. Thank you for sharing the poem. Gives me a clue as to your love of things wild and wondrous! My prayers and love are with you, your mom, and all of your family.