My Dad's Birthday

My dad, who died at 55,
Is etched inside my heart,
Despite the fact it's almost
Forty years we've been apart.

Today's his birthday; had he lived,
There'd be a Carvel cake.
(One year I baked a cake from scratch,
But that was a mistake.)

I conjure up his face and there, 
As clear as it can be,
A vision of him laughing 
Is what floats in front of me.

That's quite a lovely legacy 
For one to leave behind -
A smile and laughter tattooed
In a loved one's heart and mind.