“It is easier
for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.” - PopeJohn XXIII
Poets United this week has challenged participating poets to write a poem addressing some aspect of fatherhood. This is in view of the upcoming celebration of Father’s Day in the USA. Here in Australia, we celebrate Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September. Nevertheless, the sentiments are the same never mind what the date of the celebration is! Here is my poem:
Father
A memory:
An album leaf in the book of images of my mind;
A beach, some blue,
The sound of waves breaking.
Bright sun
And the smell of salty water carried by the wind.
Above all else, a firm and loving hand
Holding me tight.
Never again have I felt so safe…
Poets United this week has challenged participating poets to write a poem addressing some aspect of fatherhood. This is in view of the upcoming celebration of Father’s Day in the USA. Here in Australia, we celebrate Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September. Nevertheless, the sentiments are the same never mind what the date of the celebration is! Here is my poem:
Father
A memory:
An album leaf in the book of images of my mind;
A beach, some blue,
The sound of waves breaking.
Bright sun
And the smell of salty water carried by the wind.
Above all else, a firm and loving hand
Holding me tight.
Never again have I felt so safe…
ah...those loving hands...emotion wonderfully expressed...
ReplyDeleteThe details bring such permanence to these passing moments. Captured so vividly.
ReplyDeleteLike a photograph, better. Thank you for distilling and passing on this image in your poem!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this heartfelt piece... its a beautiful tribute :)
ReplyDeleteThis was perfect. Loved it . Thank you.
ReplyDeleteExcellent piece, moving and thought provoking, great work.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful a memory. "Never again have I felt so safe." I wish that safety for all children.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. What a sweet memory and feeling.
ReplyDeleteAll those images build up to paint a vivid picture - what a wonderful tribute to a real father.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that this memory of your father lives on, Nick. I am sure he would be pleased with that!
ReplyDeleteA sweet vignette that captures that feeling...I echo Sherry's sentiment. Not just for children.
ReplyDeleteHow important it is to hold on to part of you whether it be the father or the child.
ReplyDeleteSafety does indeed come from a firm and loving hand...beautifully expressed and a wonderful tribute to your father
ReplyDeleteGreat poem, the memory must be cherished.
ReplyDeleteNicholas,
ReplyDeleteLove and the sense of missing that very love, is present in your words. An absolutely delightful memory to have of your times with your father...The memories are well conserved.
Eileen
For me dad is best represented by the following indelible images:
ReplyDelete1. going to my hockey matches, every single weekend, come rain or shine.
2. umpiring the said hockey matches, when no professional umpire turned up.
3. sitting through guitar lessons and ballet concerts, even though my brothers and I were not particularly talented.
4. meeting every single teacher, for each of his children.
5. building Guy Fawkes night bonfires and lighting crackers etc etc
Wow!!! Treasure such golden memories....:)
ReplyDeleteI think that;s pretty much a perfect poem about being well fathered.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful poem! Very deep and you've compressed so many feelings in those few lines!
ReplyDelete