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

[Lydia Shutter]

((((Kelly))))) I totally understand this poem....I feel it in my bones. My dad passed when he was 79...and that was 26 years ago. I think of him every day. Yes, a daughter needs a dad....and obviously you and I had special ones. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm inclined to believe that's true! Thank you so much, Lydi!

[Beccy]

I think I could fill a book of a thousand pages and still only touch the surface. I cried here, especially when I read the last verse and your reply to Crowley about the passing of your dad when you were only six. I cannot begin the imagine the pain of that.

My father is 73, strong and optimistic still. But he has Chronic Myloid Leukemia, plus a heart condition and has been classified at being in a highly vulnerable category with regard to the virus that is sweeping the world. Both my sister and I are terribly worried for him and he is in our thoughts constantly; and both of us are praying with all our hearts, he does not fall victim to this awful disease.

Beccy.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I feel for you, dealing with the pain of the stress of worrying about an elderly parent. The hardest thing about this epidemic is that its keeping us from those we love, yet on the other hand, in doing so, it will be what saves us in the end. We need to believe in the power of prayer and the grace of God. My best to you and your family. Thank you most kindly for such an endearing review!

[Dara]

Kelly, you have certainly tugged at the heart strings with this one. I really have nothing to reference this feeling to but can imagine the times you have thought about it and longed for his presence. At any rate I know he would have been so proud to see the woman his little girl grew into. Perhaps your gift of writing poetry stems from the feelings about him you harbor and keep close to your heart. Thank you for sharing this one. It is truly a beauty!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've always believed his death influenced my writing, especially the void his presence left in my life, that continues to touch me. He was a painter, so I guess we both shared a creative gene. Thank you for the warmth the kindness of your words bring me today...I'll continue to pray for your mom! Take care!

[R.E. Ray]

Kelly, I think the long hours indoors, like turtles withdrawn into their shells, force us to accept the dark, the absence of connection. The loneliness can bring this longing to the mind's surface. For me, it's often an old photograph in a drawer or box, or a song from a sad time. Book titles and covers can draw us, too.

This poem is a tribute to your Dad. After so many years, especially the developmental years, without him must've been difficult. Regardless the circumstances, children often process death as abandonment. It's a feeling that seems to linger. Although it softens as we age, it's always there, hanging in the dark, as we think about those hundred reasons or more. Page 68 is an interesting decision point. It caught my attention since it's the year I was born. I suppose it has a special meaning to you, and that's best kept between you and your Dad. A touching poem, Kelly. Good to see you posting again.

[Kelly Scheppers]

In thumbing through the book, I found the reason on page 68 that caused my eyes to well with tears. It was, ”…so that when no one else is there for her, she can close her eyes and see him." Thank you, Robert. You are such an inspiration to me, and I really appreciate your influence and support. Take care and be well!

[R.E. Ray]

You’re welcome, Kelly. Such a warm and kind reply. Wishing you safety and good health.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and then there would be sequel as well?
it took me years to get as close to my dad as i did...we came to an understanding....
especially when the roles reversed.
this is immensely sad...I wish you could have had yours much much longer, Kelly.
j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you, Jacob. It's really good for us to be able to touch each other at this time, with all the world feeling so distant and every day revealing something more in the way of change. I am most thankful for everyone here - so take care of yourself, ok?

[Crowley]

This one hurts my heart. As simply put as the principal is it is filled with tears, lessons, longing and regret. As I get older, I see it’s the little things that make that bond. I feel now the book should be titled A Million ways a Father needs his Daughter. I love mine so.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I was only six when he died. I wish I had so much more of him than I do. Thank you, my friend. Stay safe and be well!