Dear Dad…

You didn’t just land us on the planet
You planned it all ahead 
To put my little Sis and me in good stead
To be grounded and well-rounded people
Surrounded by affection 
And sound in the foundation of a loving background.

You gave us the appreciation of little treats
And a horror of sticky sweets
Like long-buried Lockets fossilised in windcheater pockets. 
You shared your fascination for what makes things tick
Marvelling us with your magic touch
That restored once ailing machines to good nick. 

You taught us how to manage money 
The joy of being mischievously funny
The classical appreciation of Radio Three
As you sat in your headphones, squirrelling peanuts
Lip-reading the evening’s programmes on TV. 

You showed us the inner strength of being quiet 
Although we didn’t often try it
Until we realised that stopping to take the world in
Is where true enlightenment can often begin. 

You accustomed us to comforting tenderness and hugs
So sadly missed with frustration in these distanced days of self-isolation         
You showed us how to purloin a second slice of cake at tea
“Oh goodness, well perhaps the merest soupçon for me!”

You ingrained in us that as long as you’ve done your best
You can rest on your laurels
And that quarrels far less frequently ensue
When seeing things from each other’s point of view.

You inspired, and shared so much with, us Dad
How could we not still be sad?
Even now, twenty years on since you’ve been gone                                  
But as true Mosses, we leave no rolling stone unturned
To uphold the legacy of spirit, kindness and humanity
That you have truly earned.

And if you’ve ever worried of what would become
Of your darling Gill, our ever-loving Mum
You have so much to be proud of
And so little to fear
Because in heart and head and soul she knows
You’re always with her here.