My Dad could say the day is Not Special
because he knows he is a Valued Dad
Year Round and can hold his own in porch talk
Year Round and can hold his own in porch talk
about children, grandchildren and great grands--
all with at least two parents
all with at least two parents
But I praise the day and call Dad because
The Father’s Day frame fits him so well
I send cards to my brothers and nephew
for the many children among them all
and I pray for my students’ parenting:
That all have significant folk
to love, to nurture,
and to give them hope. Posted at "Father's Day in the Poetry Pantry!"
Love you, DAD!
Copyright © 2013 S.L.Chast
My father always said he didn't believe in Father's Day. He enjoyed the phone calls, and we persisted in sending cards ("it keeps printers like us working, Dad, don't forget that") and we always told him we loved him.
ReplyDeleteAs his dementia continued to worsen before he died, he would still turn his head at the sound of one of our voices speaking to the nurse on the way in. I loved to see that. He might not have been able to tell you my name, but he knew the sound of my voice, and knew I was someone who loved him.
K
That is quite affirming. Bravo!
DeleteKay, what a sweet story.
DeleteSusan, I love the depth in this poem - seeing beyond the usual. I love that you send cards to support your brothers and nephew in their fathering - that is seriously cool.
Deletei wish they all did...that is kinda where my fathers day poem for tomorrow went as well..smiles...and you know, if we can find a reason to celebrate, be it fathers or mothers or what...i'll take it...and make my own card...smiles.
ReplyDeleteGood, good. great!
Deleteand the card you sent me was amazing...haha...i love the spaghetti growing out the pot...smiles...thank you for adding a special touch for the day...
Deleteit's good to honor the fathers for what they're doing...sometimes remind them of what they should do...smiles.. our father day was already some weeks ago
ReplyDeleteWhy did I think this was a North American holiday!? I realized after the poem that its also a great day for amnesty and prodigals ...
DeleteIn the end, yes, it is a manufactured holiday. But if it prompts those less verbose to connect with those who brought us into the world...well...that's a good thing. I hope you shared your beautiful poem with your valued Dad. :)
ReplyDeleteI sent it. I'll ask about it next week when I see him for his 88th birthday. We celebrate him twice in one week.
Deleteso good to read....
ReplyDeleteIt's always hard to find just the right one--my dad was the same--don't get me a card and support those card makers...Great poem :-)
ReplyDeleteHaving someone to love, to nurture, to hope....the end is fantastic! it works both ways for the parent and the child.
ReplyDeleteI buy cards sometimes... if they perfectly fit the occasion. Some of the sayings and images are art! Yet, we often make our own. What is important, I think, is if a hand written message is inside. Lately, I hate to say it we call, or send an email!
ReplyDeleteI think it has been years since any of my family--except Mom--sent hand written messages. And I know I save her messages and cards while eventually erasing everything email. Hmmm.
DeleteYes. Handwritten letters I tend to keep and I too, after time delete email. I think the really sentimental stuff is still written down... ?
Delete