For my Dad, one of the many Mike Smiths that exist in the world, but definitely the most important (at least in my life). You’ve taught me just about everything important in life, like how to eat pizza, play euchre and softball, how to stack firewood and how to go on long walks in the woods. You’ve taught me how to “walk it off,” to be a team player, how to be committed and a hard worker, how to laugh at corny jokes. You taught me to take advantage of opportunities, and how to be a good person. You taught me to appreciate the “classical” music of Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and the rest. 

Four years ago I graduated college on your birthday, something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to top as a birthday present. You paid for four years of education at a private, liberal-arts college, and I wrote you this poem. I don’t know if I’ll ever really be able to tell you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and how much I love you. 

Thanks Dad, for everything. 

And thanks for letting me wear your woolen winter hat all the time. Glad that phase didn’t last too long.

In honor of your birthday Dad I wrote for you this po-em

For though I may be far away, today I wish I was ho-me.

Learning from the best.

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The world is great, but can’t compare

To you, my Father Extraordinaire.

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You taught me how to drive a car,

Which let me leave and go quite far.

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That same skill though is what brings me back

‘Cause throughout the world, my family is what I lack.

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This is how the Smith family celebrates Easter.

It’s from you I think that I’m low key,

One of the things I like the most ’bout me.

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From you I got my temperament,

Way of looking at the world unbent.

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Like father, like daughter.

Because of you Dad, for my best I strive,

And without you Dad, I’d not be alive.

Dads make the best jungle gyms.

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You’re my mountain, my sturdy base,

As necessary as the nose upon my face.

—

Your beard might now be a little more gray,

But to me you’re always going to be more than just okay!

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If you can’t tell Dad, I think you’re the best

A man above all others, better than the rest!

Good to see that our family portraits have gotten substantially less awkward.

I love you Dad!

Happy Birthday!