Dida Ante

I was always a shy man.
I tried to appear tough, and that's what people thought,
But they didn't know me at all!
I had a good heart, I really did.
My three sons were my pride.
Whenever they went out driving, I'd make one stay behind with me, because
If something ever happened to all three at once, I'd have no more children.
I don't think they knew that; it just made them mad.
I loved my oldest son, Pero, but I don't think he knew how much.
We were close in our hearts, but distant on the outside.
We were walking one day, and I grabbed his elbow,
And I just walked, holding his elbow, and he let me.
I felt closer to him than ever.
At times, we would be buddies. Sure, we'd joke around.
I would let him have one beer in the fridge, and he had to make it last.
So, he would take a sip every once in a while.
He was a good boy.
I met his children when they were small, so they don't remember me very well,
But I'm sure they've heard stories.
They were so cute,
And I only wish I couldtve been around long enough to get to know them,
And have them grow to love me.
If there's one thing I could change, it would be that tough appearance of mine.
I should've expressed myself better, that's all.

Christina Mihaljevic