Fatherhood

Son Tate and Daughter Aris

A special gift lies on the wind

for each man who dares the blunder

Then rolls the dice to pay the price

to both touch and feel this wonder

 

As then one finds the reason why

that has thus far been so hidden

Endless the loads that walk life’s roads

with the fear that was unbidden

 

Therein lies the conundrum

which we know our hearts to command

Now it will be for us to see

how well the ship of life be manned

 

Our lives have no greater calling

then to comfort a poor child’s tears

Truth shows clearer through the mirror

for he who shares these hopes and fears

 

But oh the sounds of fatherhood

how narre they touch to the heart

Laughter and tears pour from the years

for each of us who play his part

 

Author's Note

Life doesn't reveal the secrets of the heart until you look in the eyes of your own child!
One thing I can say about children is that no one can take them from you. If you raise them in love they will be the things of beauty by which you judge yourself and find you're not wanting. Happy Fathers Day all!

Reviews

[Tommy]

I have yet to experience this wonderful wonder; but I see how my brother stands stead for his family. The worries he is starting to show around his eyes as his two girls grow, and his son is growing in his wives belly. For he knows it is up to him to raise these children; he works so hard to give them it all, from working from light till dark, to playing with dolls. He is a wonderful father! I then look in my father's eyes as he sees how my brother lives for his family, and I can see his pride shining through. I hope to someday feel this joy, like you said, "Our lives have no greater calling."

Fine Write my friend!
RLG,
Tommy

[Charles]

Another nicely rhymed and metered poem by the master (and the music matched so well). I confess a weakness: from time to time I struggle with the use of 'lie' versus 'lay.' In line one here, though, I don't think lie is the right word.. I'd say 'lays' - of course, if you think 'lie' is better than change it to 'lies' since 'special gift' is singular. In the last stanza, I'm puzzled by 'narre' - is this meant to be 'nary'? In the last line of the stanza is another struggle... each is 'singular' and 'their' is plural, making it distracting for the one to be referring back to the other. If you simply substituted 'the' for 'their' the meaning would be exactly the same and the distraction would vanish. As always, a good effort.

[JanieB]

Truly fabulous Tate. The music compliments your poem beautifully. Excellent job!

[Kelsie Eileen Stark]

Beautiful piece! My dad shares the same happiness- and it joys me to see how much happiness family can have together.
Thank you~

[KatiePie]

From the first line my eyes were enchanted by every word, and then, I could not stop reading.

[Ruth]

True words love, this is beautiful! A father is everything, having a child to pass memories onto is everything too, this is amazing xx

[Coyote Poetry]

Your words are true. I didn't have a real purpose that I could touch or feel till my first daughter was born and I held her in my arms. I knew I had to live and insure she had a good life. A outstanding poem." A wise and kind man will bread crumbs of his life by teaching and showing his children the right road to be on." Thank you for your positive poem.
Coyote

[Tony]

A fine tribute to Fatherhood-- and I like the transformation effect you create.
Nice use of inner rhymes in the third line of each stanza.

[Zeitgeist Manifesto]

Such inspiration is a true blessing.
Its a beautiful thing to see a father
with such a loving heart.

It is most respectable.

[Rikkevi Rue]

eloquently tendered as a hand down to lift those up who have yet to experience the joy, a knowing nod to the ones who have, and a wistful yearning for the unfortunates upon whom it is too late.

I particularly admire the style with which your poetry gracefully twists and turns, like a well versed couple in a dance they know by heart and makes others watch them enviously. You entice with the honey of aesthetics and brace with the candor of reality. Always a pleasure to read your words!

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Tate,

Another of your tender poems. Yes, life teaches us, and the look, love, laughter, and sincerity of a child is a true mirror into our hearts. How more clearly to see what is of true value.

Another nice, one, my friend.

Best regards,

Rick