Grecian 2000

Mum said he only used it once,
the year I was born,
fighting the tag An Older Dad,
sporting trumped-up auburn
in all of my baby photos.

So what if he kayaked with me,
dug an allotment,
laid a lawn and its paving stones,
swam and roller-skated,
taught me a two-handed backhand?

I learned to mention his white hair
every chance I got,
feeling a coward and winner
when he lowered his eyes
and muttered in defence, Ash Blonde.