6/3/2002 5:51:01 PM
My Dad was: Strong, silent and serious. He was funny, witty, and charming. He was wise, intelligent, and smart. He was strict, unbending, yet flexible. He was dedicated, driven, and successful. He was loving, loyal, and wacky. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He was respected, honored, and fiercely protective of his family and country. He reputation rang through the hallowed halls of the US Army Medical Corps. He was fair, honest, and straightforward. He was brought low before his time by a thin wall in his aorta. When the news spread of his untimely demise, visitors came from far and wide, yes, even from DC. He touched so many with the qualities I have listed, and all types of people were present to grieve at the passing of a truly good man. He had a good life. He worked hard, strove to be the best, and he was. It's funny, one of the things I remember most about him now is this insane little giggle he had when he was pulling a prank on us. He overcame adversity. He survived Vietnam, and the aftermath. He will always be my hero: MSG(R) Wayne B. Smith.

Beverly aka Poddytat

PS I know it's not really poetry, but it feels like it to me.