unheard this message

only five years ago my father died
it wasn't unexpected wasn't a huge blow
anita and i both broke down and cried
seeking redemption in the tears' flow
i'm startled that i didn't mark the day
didn't pause and say what is the case
five years ago i got the chance to say
what needed to be said straight to his face
i carry him inside although he could not tell
i'd learned the things that only he could teach
i've drunk so many times of that clear well
i've reached the things he gave me hope to reach
and now too late i give to him the praise
he would not give me in his living days