My Dad is the single most inspiring person I know. From the time I was old enough to walk I remember him pursuing and following his dreams at all costs. His family never came second to the pursuit of happiness, but all of the responsibilities that come with being a husband and a father only seemed to add to it. My mom and I wouldn’t think twice of interrupting his writing or painting sessions to have him unclog a toilet or run to the store to get something for dinner, because we knew he saw everything as inspiration and had the unique ability to continue exactly where he left off when he went back to finish a poem; he might even write something totally different based on a homeless man he spoke to outside of the grocery store or a phrase he heard someone call in and say on his favorite radio show. While I am always proud of my Dad, from every published poem in a journal I can’t pronounce the name of, to the completion of his very first compilation book entitled Shackamaxon in 2012, I experience that pride again today when he was internationally recognized by U.S. Poet Laureate from 2004-2006, Ted Kooser. “Custodians” by David Livewell (a.k.a. my dad) is a moving piece of poetry that pays homage to the janitors we never got to thank. The one’s the cleaned up after us our whole lives, mopping our lunch up off the gym floor and scraping our gum off of the lockers we left behind. My dad always finds a way to tribute those who lack the recognition they deserve; the mailman who comes to your front door in hail and sun, the police officer who keeps watch at night while you’re fast asleep and the custodian who holds the “keys to countless locks.” I am a proud daughter who just needed to brag and share this poetic story with all of you!