My favorite photograph of Dad is one taken At the Los Angeles Zoo It was a warm summer day and we took a break After queueing up to see the pandas loaned To the zoo by the government of China Dad is dressed comfortably in slacks And a loose fitting pointed collar Short sleeve shirt He is perched casually on a large stone Looking into the camera I spent several weeks with Dad during that summer I followed him as he went about his daily routine (We both appreciated having a schedule) Morning coffee, newspaper Listening to the radio (He bought me my first radio when I was 13) Lunch time was at the Golden Dragon restaurant in Chinatown We met with friends, drank tea, and sampled dim sum Then it was onto his friend who had a hair salon (She cut his hair when needed) I listened as they chatted in Cantonese Afterwards he'd cross the street to where his Life time association - Ying On - had their headquarters It was a smoke-filled gathering place filled with Cantonese friends, watching TV, laughing, and playing Cards, mahjong, and other card games Toward dinner time a local chef came to the club And put together a three-course Cantonese meal For which members paid $2 or $3 Dad got his meal free because of his age And long-time membership I learned Dad was a Los Angeles Dodger fan And learned all about them more than I ever knew I wanted to know but it was fascinating as he Could relate statistics, talk about the players And listened to Vince Scully call the game I know there was a lot more to Dad But I was too shy to ask and he never offered To tell me his story But that summer I certainly enjoyed Being with him I miss him still
I love how rich with detail this poem is; I can feel myself there with you. The deep love you shared is also evident, despite shyness.