Love without the word

Walking to the mailbox on a sunny afternoon, 

while listening to long and winding stories of his youth.

Grinding gears, bumping trees as I tried my hand at a stick shift,

while patiently encouraging me.

Aiming for the target and missing more than hitting,

while learning safety and skill of shooting a bb gun.

Learning patience with a knife and a piece of wood,

while telling stories on the front porch swing.

Splitting and chopping wood with an axe,

while teaching about leverage and power.

Telling me in so many ways you love me,

while saying it without the word.

HCB