LT. BRENDON O’KEEFE

Uncle Erwin/1996

I really feel remiss - For not having done this before

Now you’re almost married - With a wife knocking on your door

You’ve really done a job - Of putting your life in line

It’s an honor to be able to tell folks - He’s a nephew of mine!

As a kid, you were quite precocious - But mirror vision got in the way

Your mother kept on testing - Till it was finally discovered one day

Once you leaped that hurdle - You broke into a run

You had a talent for woodworking - But you wanted to carry a gun!

When you graduated from High School - Your mom said, "Call Uncle Erv"

You wanted me to advise you - I could tell that you had nerve

I told you to be practical - But also follow your dream

Then no matter what happens - You’ll end up with the cream!

I hung up the phone and commented - "I wonder what he’ll do"

To my surprise and happiness - You did what I told you to

Brendon, you’re a winner - And discipline is your friend

Soak up all they have to offer - Is the message that I send!

Keep playing it by the numbers - And you’ll continue to score

For much of life is predictable - As an eagle you will soar

There’ll be times when you are tested - And tough, you’ll have to be

You won’t even see it coming - But when it’s over, you’ll see!

Life taught you a lesson - To help you on your way

Even those who fail the test - Learn something every day

But I know my nephew - Will take the test in stride

You’ve already passed so many - When others would have shied!

I leave you now, Young Brendon - With this happy little thought

Anxiously share your skills - Those that you’ve been taught

And the day will surely come - And it really will feel quite nice

Someone will come up and say, "Brendon" - I need your advice!!