From Father to Son

A man must choose for what he stands
His course in life is in his hands
There are many paths along the way
Never straight do these paths stay
There will be forks, both left and right
A man must choose for what to fight
Be sure to stand true, straight and tall
No matter what you will not fall
Remember that your word is gold
This to me, my father told
Seek not fame, fortune or wealth
But happiness, love and good health
And when you’re faced with right or wrong
Don’t hesitate nor tarry long
Most answers are not found on charts
But come from deep within your heart
Make your name on honor and truth
Remain steadfast and never aloof
Make hearty and strong your inner soul
You’ll be a man not half, but whole
When the appropriate time has come
Pass this message to your son
Don’t forget to tell him then
How very proud you are of him
And let him know to be a man
He too must choose for what he stands

Ron Carpenter
For Jake