The Father's Love

For my Father

Strong calloused hands pass it along;
Eager youthful hands receive it
It's more than a genetic code, more than a name
More than teaching and correction,
More than tireless support,
More than endless sacrifices,
More than a lifetime of memories
Fathers, you've passed down the love
Since the first Father breathed life into Adam;
The love has been handed down from father to child
Guarded and invested for countless generations,
Handed down to be entrusted to countless more;
The fathers below with eyes on the Father above,
Providing, protecting, teaching, and loving,
Until the day they can pass the mantel on
The father's life is invested into his children,
Like the heavenly Father poured His love into His Son Jesus;
The love never leaves; distance and circumstance can't stop it,
Young lives growing up and moving out can't dismiss it,
It's passed on from hand to hand--heart to heart

Thom Jankowski