Three fathers.

 I weep quietly in the night.

"Do androids dream of electric sheep?"
I pray my soul be mine to keep.
I miss those who go before,
Another father figure through the door.

I had three to hold on high.
First my father, biological and pride.
He suffer'd through the War number two. 
It scar'd him there, through and through.
He never talked about it though the years; 
He felt it though, in unshed tears.
He only told the story of 
his return alone with one buddy on
a troopship playing cards 
but not
every saying anything about
that time.

The second was an honorary post,
a sage and wise councilor 
giver of advise and praise.
He said "dear boy" and made me feel
that love felt but not revealed.
His family though, took exception to
my mother's affection and in spite of that
I think she felt unwanted and...
left the situation feeling less than that.

So, the third was the last companion
of my mother who never lacked for those.
Appreciated for her worth and value
that this one was also gentle and kind,
he passed today, with family around.

All were part of shaping me, 
all had value and shared it free
of charge or fee.
All were upstanding and some you'd know.
But, the point of it is what they show.

We all have value, I know I have mine.
The love shown to me, 
the example fine.
I take that with me, so they're not gone.

They live in my heart, as examples

As song.

Elemer, Brage, Bernie... 
you will always have a home in my heart.
(My mother does also, but she already knows that).