One For the Road - A Tribute to Alfred E. Smith

I clicked with you from the first meeting

You acted like you knew me just from the greeting;

It didn’t take any time for you to become close to my heart

You claimed the spot right from the very start;

You encouraged me day in and day out

You showed me what state government was all about;

You taught me to never let them see me sweat

And you taught me to play hard and work less;

Work smart and enjoy the job is what you proclaimed

Eventhough I'm not sure everyday meant the same;

I am so thankful that I had a decade to share this world with you

I’ll never be the same because you passed through;

We’ve missed you around the office since the first day you left

Now it’ll never be the same as I think to myself;

A world with no Big Al makes my heart ache in pain

But I know eternal life is a much better gain;

So, while it hurts me and my soul is filled with tears

I can’t help but be thankful for all these years;

You were a brother, a friend, and a mentor to me

I will always work hard to be the best I can be;

You wanted to see me thrive and succeed

Now I want you to rest well dear sweet Alfred E.