One Hundred Reasons

One Hundred Reasons

 

 

 

 

I came across a book today,
of one hundred reasons
why a daughter needs a Dad.

I thought of how apropos it was -
that in all my years of being without one
I could have written a book myself.

Perhaps, it would have been a best seller by now
sitting on the shelf of a Barnes & Noble,
aimlessly lost in the bargain bin
of “how-to” books,
of better homes and gardens
and learning photography.

 

I fumbled through the first fifty reasons,

deciding upon page sixty-eight

to buy it and take it home,
to wait for the 26th day of June
for what would have been

my Dad’s 94th birthday.

In all likelihood

my own list will grow...
immeasurably so.

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

There is a deep sadness lingering within this one. Though told in a matter of fact way, one can tell there is a profound sense of loss. The poet doesn't indicate the nature of the relationship with the long deceased father, but the pain of his absence is very apparent.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, John. This was written for my father, who died when I was six. I deeply appreciate the kindness of your words.

[Dave]

You remind me of how blessed I was and still am. Like every father to be, I was hoping for a boy. I was in the delivery room when both of my girls were born. I was ecstatic! I actually got to hold them before my wife did. They are all grown-up now, but we've all remained close.
You might want to read one of the first poems I wrote, it was for them. It is posted here - "Children"
Take care and stay healthy - Dave

[Kelly Scheppers]

So wonderful to hear you've remained close - that is how it should be! Thank you, Dave.

[Dave]

Thank you, Kelly for the happy reminder. It is so nice to hear from you. I hope that all is well with you and yours. Take care - Dave

[Pete]

very touching. it's interesting that i came across this - have been thinking the very same thing for some time now. wonderful, truthful tribute ... :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thanks, Pete. I deeply appreciate that! Stay well, my friend.

[barleygirl]

I have to agree with JungLee . . . "for someone who was close to their father" . . . poems like these remind me of a part of life that I have never even allowed myself to consider, since my dad raped me regularly for the first 11 years of my life. It's a marvel to put myself in the shoes of someone from the completely opposite side of this spectrum! You expressed it so poignantly & understandably! Here's hoping you & your loved ones are all doing well (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kelly Scheppers]

So sorry to learn you were violated in such a way by someone you trusted to protect you. The mentality of that alone could break anyone. Thank you for such an introspective review, Margie. Do know I am here if you ever wish to talk. Take care!

[Ted Kniffen]

If you would Kelly, write a sequel on why sons need a dad as well. I was seventeen when my Dad passed away...that was 56 years ago and he's with me still.
A lovely poem...thanks for writing of this...you've brought back some good memories and some not so good, but that is how it was and is.

A good write.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I believe the significance is the same, whatever gender there is. So glad it touched your life in some way. That was my hope in writing it and bringing it to light. Take care and be well, Ted!

[Ted Kniffen]

You as well Kelly...be safe.

[Robert Trakofler]

So sorry dear Kelly the lament in this is so strongly penned:( I have had the joy and pleasure of being a stepdad to a few wayward souls over the years in an effort to fill those voids and take from that list but it is not a replacement for the losses for so many I have known:/ I love them all very much but I still feel the stings of those laments too...

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly, Robert. Please take care and be safe in the world out there. Let us hope this pandemic ends for us all real soon!

[Robert Trakofler]

Hope you are doing well haven't seen any new writing for a while just doing my bunny rounds:)

[NotUsinganymore]

Very sweet poem for someone who was close to their father. I enjoyed this.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, JungLee!

[NotUsinganymore]

you're welcome

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Kelly... 94 years... a legend in tears. I can only imagine
what you feel. My own Dad loved Shakespeare... someday I will
write Sonnets in his memory. He passed with a smile when the day
was nigh.... his spirit floated away in the sky. truly, Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm surprised you haven't attempted writing sonnets yet, with the forms of poetry you've accomplished. Thank you most kindly, Pat!

[Patricia Wedel]

So kind Kelly... I have my own form... but I did one Sonnet from a form teaching how to write a Sonnet.. Bless you and your family.. stay well.. 💕 love, Pat

[Relic]

Anyone I know that lost a dad when they were very young wonders 'what if.' Their passing becomes something more than a scar, it's almost as though they have been there all along and need to be recognized. There's no time dedicated to bad things, only good. Like being frozen in a spiritual goodness.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I look back on his death as having a most traumatic effect upon my life. There are memories of my childhood that I simply can't recollect - easy stuff, like Halloween costumes and Christmas mornings. It surges through me every now and then, and I deal with it the best I can. Thank you, Tim. Good seeing you!

[David Klay]

A Kelly version of "Chicken Soup for the Soul". I would buy it! Your reality and 'straight talk' based poetry is earth bound and a must read for any person with a heart. Great stuff!

[Kelly Scheppers]

...I love your analogy, David. Thank you!

[David Klay]

The pleasure of reading you is all mine, must do it more often.