The Colours of a Man

Still working out the kinks....just seems trite. ugh.

Perhaps you didn't know, Father

Perhaps you were too young, or blind to see

The way your every choice would colour,

The girl that once was me.

 

I wish you could have known,

The way it would all affect.

The seeds that would soon be sown,

Budding from your abandonment and neglect.

 

For years I have struggled to comprehend

Why I just couldn't hold your attention.

But, for these wounds that time could not mend,

It's much too late for your prevention.

 

 

It isn't my wish to place blame.

You did the best that you could do.

It wasn't only disfunction and pain,

The lessons I learned from you.

 

I just wanted to tell you.

You gave me the strength to see.

All the colours of a man,

And just how imperfect one can be.

 

That isn't all I need to tell you,

There's just one more thing I must say.

You need to know I love you.

You made me who I am today.

 

I wanted you to know, Father

And I needed you to see

The way your every choice did colour

The woman that is me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

A note for my American readers :The spelling of "Colours" (colors) was intentional. I just think the word is much more beautiful, spelled the old-fashioned way. Colors are crayons, and Colours are fine pigments...at least that's the way I see it.

Reviews

[Anthony Beal]

The sentiment of this piece is nicely expressed. You've hit upon a point that people rarely seem to talk about: that parents don't always consider how far-reaching are the effects of their conduct, or that little ones take their cues as much (if not more) from the behavior shown to them as from what they are told. Although this poem rhymes and is separated into stanzas, it also reads very much like a letter, a duality that isn't always easy to accomplish.

As for the stanza you have issue with, is it the second one? If so, I may have a suggestion...

[Lorraine]

It's a poem that tackles imperfection at its best. It was good that you didn't add any sort of anger in your piece but rather delved more on the positive side. That is clearly an indication of deep understanding and true dedication. I love the innocence and purity of this poem as well as its technical aspect.

Keep Writing. ^___^

[C.B.]

This is one harsh topic, one that I still have never penned. It is very good, but for me to critique it, it would lose its totally jarring meaning. Nicely written. 'Nuff said

[S.S.P.]

you've done a great job of capturing things that are difficult for many people (like me) to say. excellent!

[Deborah Leah Krempa]

Beautifully penned. A wonderful poem you've written here. Thank you for sharing. Debileah