Love, Dad

Check out my book, Seedy Town Blues on Amazon.com.

When I think of my kids now,
I so much want to say things
that I know I won't,
like, please for your protection,
try not to feel too much.
If you can't help it,
you may find that
life comes at you like
a left hook...a broken doll,
a rotten tooth.
I'm sorry I failed you,
I would trade it all,
everything I own or ever
could possess, for your smiles,
and deep true laughter.
May you never know brutality
or ferocious things.
I'd rather you get
dog bit than hope and
feel heart sickness.
Find someone who holds
you tight and
doesn't let go.
The woods do in a pinch,
but they can't touch
you with flesh wrapped
bones that cherish your hearts.

My poor kids,
your crazy father loved you the
best he could.
Don't ever let anyone
kill your light;
always hold on;
there is beauty in the ride,
often too much.
You might feel like
a stranger or an alien,
it's supposed to be like that.
Often it feels like
a lump in your
throat that won't go down.

Wear sunglasses, they
help with the glare...the sharpness,
and remember,
some flowers are edible.

Author's Note

Check out my YouTube channel where I read my poetry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HKJ1zzc77o&t=109s

Reviews

[Ookpik]

Ah this was stellar Tom (Thomas?) - though I've yet to have kids, I know this feeling to a lesser degree. Little brother, eh? As we grow older and are confronted with the realities of the world, at least for me, the impulse to shelter the people we love from the same sensations can be impossible to ignore - the cruel or ambivalent ones, the cold truths, the emptiness and the heartache.

We try to, at least, and especially for the young ones.

In my case, I learned that facing those things are what mold us into the people we are - we can't escape them, and neither can they. They can't be sheltered from it anymore than we could, try as we might or as much as we might want them to be.

Instead, I told him I'd jump into the fire for him, unconditional, and to never take his foot off the gas.

He's done well too, prettier than I am by a decent stretch. Hehe

Nice work here man, really insightful and really relatable.

Cheers,

-Ook

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[Arundass TP]

Dad's are harsh and loving. I think so. It's for protection of others from diverse effects. Excellent poem 👍

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you.