He’s step-by-step and follow through

He’s a walk to clear your mind

The unasked advice that stays with you

He’ll never be too hard to find

He's the punch line of your favorite joke

And the wit that it requires 

He's the subtle hint of ash and smoke 

After nights of fighting fires

He's the first of  first responders

In your home or at ground zero

A host of trust if you give yours

He is a living and breathing hero 

He’s step-by-step and follow through

He's the walk amongst the talk 

He’s your little league and life coach, too

Constant and sturdy, he's a rock

He’s worthy followed footsteps

He's an after-crying smile

 Balancing me through missteps

No matter how many the mile

He’s behind all that I’m proud of

He's insight and rationale  

He’s how I know, there can be love 

That's truly unconditional 

He’s step-by-step and follow through 

He's my first step’s reaching hand

Steps that walked me down the aisle, too

He's my Dad, in his footsteps I stand