Here words fail utterly
to show the gratitude
the love I feel
since you yourself have been
as great a gift
as life could give
though I have never quite
known to hold up my end
you in your wisdom
knew what to take
and what to leave
what more could any father
hope for from his son
you've been a blessing
from the first
so now I offer mine:

A joyous birthday
a sweet week
the Christmas tree spreading its light
throughout the house
lifting your heart
above all worries
all concerns
and as the solstice marks the start
of spring's return so may you feel
the new life starting even now
deep within the nurturing soil