Notes About The Poem

8/19/2026 for A Parent's Love Poetry Contest sponsored by Matt Caliri 

A Chip Off the Ol' Blockhead

One day, my son asked me, "Which one of us do you love more?"
I grew uncomfortable and I looked down at the floor. 
It was an answer that I didn't want to hurry.
He's an only child, so his question made me worry. 
Could it be that once I dropped him on his brain,
or had I forgotten a child (which would have been insane)?
Should I tell him, "You have always been my favorite.
You should take satisfaction in that and savor it", 
or should I be fair and diplomatically proclaim,
"I love all of my children pretty much the same"?
Perhaps, it would be more circumspect for me to say, 
"I love each of you, in your own inimitable way". 
I finally chose, "I love you more than any other child by far",
and he said, "Good - can I have the keys to the car?",
to which I replied, "It wouldn't be any bother,
except that I've already lent them to your brother".
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Etgen-Baker Avatar
August 21, 2026 at 3:03 PM
appreciate the twist at the end.
Crandall Avatar
August 21, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Thanks, Sara!
Wolf Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Well, this is about as funny as it gets, David. Just loved your playful introspection into your 'only son's condition' at the start into the middle --- and of course the ending rocks. Keep 'em coming, man. Thanks, Gershon
Crandall Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Thanks, Gershon! Haha, thanks! I sort of threw my son under the bus for this poem, but it's OK since he's smarter than me. I wanted to even it out a bit, even if it's only in the world of poems.
Smith  Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Excellent play on decisions when answering a child. Now for inventing a brother now that was pure genius. Keep the kid thinking that there is a secret he isnt privy to.❤️
Crandall Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Thanks, Alison! Yep, best to keep him on his toes - lol. 😀
Gibbons Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Awesome write ✍️ David a pleasure reading like Beryl said I giggled at last line . Good luck in comp great contender hugzzz friend
Crandall Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Thanks, Dorothy - glad you got a giggle! 😄
Rodrigues Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Too funny and clever!
Crandall Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Thanks, Kim!
Edmonds  Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Great poem David, that last line gave me a laugh… Beryl 😂
Crandall Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Haha, thanks, Beryl - glad you got a chuckle! 😄
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