Today my sweet father turns eighty
An age that to me once was daft
Over the hill and way past your prime
I'd never get that old, I'd laugh
But here now I eat up those words
As a big slice of hot humble pie
For my dad has just started blooming
He did not roll over and die
Those that are lucky to meet him
May not see the standout he is
It's because he is gentle and quiet
But at winning at life he's a whiz!
He's always been coaching and teaching
It's a gift that he has that keeps giving
He offers advice so that everyone is
Secure in the life that they're living
His own life is calm yet engaging
His interests and pursuits are quite wide
But first and foremost is my mother
He rarely is not by her side
It's that promise of love and commitment
You stand by your word and stay true
No matter how tough is the challenge
You face it, that's what you must do
All my life I've been shown that example
Deeply ingrained in my soul
The welfare of family is sacred
Fight hard to sustain and keep whole
My father embodies self-sacrifice
With no time for sadness or grief
You make sure to do what is needed
It's been his most steadfast belief
He does not like undue attention
He's happiest when in the shadows
But today is the day we can really let loose
When you're eighty, well anything goes!
He's deserving of much celebration
All the love and esteem we can show
Oh happiest birthday Dear Henry
To the greatest man I'll ever know!