My Father

My father always promised me
That we would live in France.
We'd go boating on the Seine
and I would learn to dance. 
We lived in Ohio then.
He worked in the mines. 
All his dreams, like boats
we knew We'd sail in time. 

My sister's all grew up and went away,
to Denver and Cheyenne. 
Marrying their grown up dreams, 
the lilacs and the man. 
I stayed behind, 
the youngest still only danced alone.
Hoping, hoping that my father's dreams 
would someday take me home. 

I live in Paris now, 
my children dance and dream. 
Hearing the ways of a miner's life,
In words they never say. 
I sail my memories of home, 
Like boats across the Seine.
And watch my father's eyes...
watching the setting sun...
set in my father's eyes again