Daddy Took the Pictures

Daddy took the pictures for the local daily press.

He wasn't rich or famous, but my daddy was the best.

He snapped shots of lots of things, and lots of places too-

Of accidents, and fires, as well as animals at the zoo.

Mayors, Governors, Congressmen, and Senators, I might add,

Even a couple of Presidents were photograhped by Dad.

He took too many pictures for us to show them all.

So Mommy framed his very best and hung them on the wall.

Daddy took the pictures, he worked the whole day through.

His favorites were of normal folks, doing what normal folks would do.

Here's one of a farmer who is harvesting his grain.

Over here's a weary traveler, her luggage at her side,

And there's a father crying as he gives away the bride.

And this one is a mother while she combs her daughter's hair.

And here's an older couple as they fold their hands in prayer.

Daddy took the pictures, it's a job he held so dear.

He met so many people, making friends from far and near.

This fireman just saved a girl, you can see her in his arm.

And here's a group of children who are visiting a farm.

And there's an expectant mother, trying to get up from a chair,

Or how about this choir singing in the frosty air.

This one is a football player reaching up to catch the ball.

And here's a child on roller skates who is trying not to fall.

Daddy took the pictures of folks like you and me.

He made each feel important, it was his specialty.

It was what Daddy liked to do, as I'm sure you can tell.

And that's because he found it fun, and Daddy did it well.

When Daddy took your picture he would try to make you smile.

By printing people's pictures, they were special for awhile.

There aren't many pictures of my dad as you can probably see,

'Cause Daddy's there behind the lens, where a photographer should be.

And when his day was over, he'd give my mom a kiss,

And each of us a great big hug - it's something that I miss.

But I no longer see his face, or hug him as I'd do,

His camera sits there all alone, it's busy days are through.

So every night I close my eyes, and pray to God above,

And thank God for my mommy, and send my daddy love.

And I think of how we miss him, but we'll get by somehow,

'Cause daddy's taking pictures of all the angels now.

Bradley A. Kellerman

November 22, 1965 - October 20, 1997

This poem was written by my uncle for Zachary, Caleb, & I shortly after our Dad passed away.

 I hope you enjoy it as much as we do :)