He always smelled of something green and earthy.

On weekends, the stench of cheap beer would ride

the waves of his breath, souring good-night kisses.

Green and blue ink enveloped his strong arms,

depicting the macabre, the sensual, the immortal…

Brown wavy hair to the middle of his back,

always secured behind.

And his eyes!

Palest shade of blue,

habitually surrounded by

red veins reading like a road map to addiction.

Yet each coin has two faces.

He was a mischievous prankster

who knew how to laugh,

a strong man who openly wept as he had

his beloved dog put to sleep.

Here was a dedicated soldier

who proudly served his country,

a doting father who moved mountains

for his children every chance he had.

He was a man who sought freedom in many forms.

And though he made mistakes in life,

I am still proud to be his daughter.