Tackle Box By The Door

You’d hum that old off-key hymn

Tie your tie with your coffee in hand

I watched you circle dates on the fridge

Sunday meant you’d give me a chance

You’d say

“Grab your boots

Service ends at noon”

I knew what that meant

It was just me and you

Love you

Dad

I miss you more

Every empty pew

Every creek shore

I still see your cap

Turned low

By the water where the lilacs grow

Love you

Dad

It’s you I’m searchin’ for

Every church bell ring

Every old back door

There’s an open seat and one thing I know

You’re in my heart

Like that river flow

You’d tap the wheel at each red light

Bible on the dash

Sun in your eyes

“Patience

Son

It all takes time”

You laughed when I tangled my line

Now I park outside

Let the engine run

Hear the choir inside

But I still see the sun

Love you

Dad

I miss you more

Every empty pew

Every creek shore

I still see your cap

Turned low

By the water where the lilacs grow

Love you

Dad

It’s you I’m searchin’ for

Every church bell ring

Every old back door

There’s an open seat and one thing I know

You’re in my heart

Like that river flow

Got your rod in the shed

Your name on page ten

Of that worn-out book

I read it again

If I cast this line

Far enough through the blue

Will the ripples roll

All the way to you? (oh)

Love you

Dad

I miss you more

Every empty pew

Every creek shore

I still see your cap

Turned low

By the water where the lilacs grow

Love you

Dad

It’s you I’m searchin’ for

Every church bell ring

Every old back door

There’s an open seat and one thing I know

You’re in my heart

And that’s how I know

I’ll see you again

Where the rivers go