Father and Son

an ode to the first hero and role model in my life

Your piano playing filled our home with such distinctive sounds
Meticulous recordings, annotation that astounds
Your humour convoluted, while we marked you out of ten
Our childhood blissful ignorance of pain beyond our ken


Sublime relaxing ambience you coax from piano keys
Skills honed alongside football, despite damage to both knees
Piano class in Manchester clashed with other goals at school
Revealing great ambition, you're nobody's tool or fool


Mowing lawns in shirt and tie, laying turf like a pro
Quintessential Englishman, while fashions come and go  
Your home-brew kitchen rituals, always giving of your best
Setting the example, while I rained punches on your chest


Blissful hours of ball games; you taught technique, I just ran   
You always gave me chances; wise old pro to my infant fan
Three-and-in or cover drives; on beaches, fields or pitches
Such formative experiences, sporting skill enriches


Now a parent myself I see you in my son
He's got our determination, acumen, and fun
I now see responsibilities you took on with family and work
Commitments you pulled off, which some may say I shirk?


It's so precious now that we can discuss everything
To analyse life's great dilemmas I only have to ring
A wonderful thing to find such wisdom, depth and trust
For reassuring peace of mind our talks are now a must
 

My first hero and role model, please don’t ever forget
Not causing you more happiness is something I regret
Hope I've done some things in life to really make you proud
You're still my rock of empathy when troubled by the crowd

Author's Note

As always, keen to hear you guys' constructive criticisms. First write for 3 months, so please forgive any 'ring-rustiness'. Peace and goodwill to you all.

Reviews

[AYVID N]

This poem is such a great tribute to a father. Your love and gratitude just shines through all that you have written. What I especially like about the piem is the holistic approach you take to describe him, right from his art, to his sport, to his dressing, demanour and his loving and giving attitude towards his loved ones. I also liked the comparison with self and the honest introspection that followed. I'm sure your father will be reading this so proudly.

[Ruth]

I think this is wonderful love...its great to read about things like this...warmed my heart, its great to see another post....moving! xx

[cartera]

Lucky man to have such a Dad, and lucky Dad to have such a son. Looks as if the gene pool is sound.
Reminds a little of early Seamus Heaney and his writings of his unsettled and perhaps envious emotions re his father.
Writing was disciplined.
Well done.
ATB
Alex.

[Hatchling]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[.]

firstly the subject matter was wonderful, touching and with real feeling..secondly your rhyme and meter was just a joy to read..theres a little pam ayers in this (compliment) the flow was impeccable.well done!!!!!