Photo on the wall

My dad always wanted to visit Africa
A place, far away, yet so near
In his soul he could feel the connection
When he sang there were echoes he could hear
So glad I could make that journey for him
Maybe that’s what sons sometimes do
Fulfill the wishes of their fathers
Making their dreams come true
There’s a photo on the wall in the kitchen
I turn around and he’s smiling down on me
I miss him, thank him, love him so
For showing me a way to be
Happily my ma’s still with us
She turned 94 last yar
Next week she plans to visit the Smithsonian
Sh’s frail, though her mind is crystal clear
Sometimes I hear my dad’s voice so clearly
Inside mine when I sing certain songs
And know my sisters recognize the sound
It’s a family affair, so strong
There’s a photo on the wall in the kitchen
I turn around and he’s smiling down on me
And I miss him, thank him, love him so
For showing me a way to be