time to turn the page
adventure around the next bend
following the sage
writing these new words i send

we squabbled and fought
rarely did we agree
and yet i am thankful
for lessons you taught me

only two reasons
that we are alive
to learn and to teach
in both do we thrive

you honed and you smoothed me
though it wasn't your intent
perfection is inevitable
harshness you did not invent

so all that is left
after moments of blue
a word and two more
thanks and... ^&@# you