As Father Is To His Daughter

Passing through framed windows like ours, I recall your tales of reckless war and lost friends that burned your innocence at 21... and though you claimed flashes of courage, moist eyes poured vulnerability looking calm, undaunted. We both searched deeply into our souls as a father is to his young daughter, that I wanted to let you know, it was alright; but that mound of shoulders turned away. Down the years as officer and gentleman, Time stole long weeks, absent from your dining chair, leaving me resentful and bitter on hardened sills until you arrive under crawling dock of stars. But in free moments, how you cherished me so; waking my cheeks at 3 am to race the winds, to fly with a shooting neon, laughing with a blue moon. You spoke of faith and honor if life dared a shame, oh mild scent of your arms cuddling my girlish dreams... until off you rode suddenly on heaven’s wheel. I see you through all framed windows like ours, that even if my iced breaths needed you more as small flowers thirsted for rain, my anger was a cry for love’s company... “ I have adored you in moments of distance and nearness, if not always, then for all eternity.” Have I forgotten to open this, my soft, broken sigh? Dad, everything is all right. Ir0nic Zink's Your Personal Favorite Poem Contest Resubmitted 5/19/2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

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Jones Avatar
July 13, 2026 at 4:10 AM
This is a wonderful tribute and on soup it is in the best 100 all times poems! Congratulations dear sweet friend!
Junaid Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 11:48 AM
I'm crying, oh my God. I wish your father the highest ranks in heaven, and for you to meet him there soon. Be Strong, and here's a hug from me to you <3
Kaufman Avatar
August 10, 2024 at 1:53 AM
Dear Nette, 2014!.I guess you have been gone for a touch. This one made me cry, which is not some thing that many poems do to a hardened shell these days and way too early here to retouch my mascara. LOL, It's a true joy to read your deeply emotive poems.
Horn Avatar
June 20, 2024 at 6:22 AM
Everyone is right. Where have you been and how are you doing? Made a comment about your poem back in November 2014.
Horn Avatar
June 20, 2024 at 6:18 AM
Reminds me of a book and a Movie with Rich Gere and Lou Gossett and Debra Winger in it. Remember you being from the Philippines and dad being a General you said. Read my Willie Mays poem.
Roper Avatar
October 5, 2023 at 9:24 AM
Nette, miss you.
Dietrich Avatar
April 3, 2023 at 10:27 AM
Are you out there, Nette? Miss you.
De Beaulieu Avatar
February 24, 2019 at 1:18 PM
Hello Nette, this is a lovely poem written to your dad. Have a nice day my friend.
Duncan Avatar
March 10, 2018 at 2:02 AM
Love it :)
Gist Avatar
October 11, 2017 at 8:25 PM
A Daddy is all they need! Nice!
Inman Avatar
September 20, 2017 at 7:28 AM
A beautiful poem Nette. The adoration a father has for his daughter is limitless but his need to be strong and protect her can make him seem distant especially when he feels that he has somehow failed in his duty, even if it is not his fault.
Goff Avatar
September 20, 2017 at 4:34 AM
Light filled tribute...makes me think of my girls...both married this summer...I remember carrying them on my shoulders when we would go on forest hikes & their little legs would get tired....thanks Nette
Leiser Avatar
March 27, 2017 at 5:01 PM
Visited this gorgeous poetic tribute to your father, Nette...it touched me! A fave :)
Horn Avatar
November 6, 2014 at 9:16 PM
I am a father of two sons who always wondered what it would be like to have a daughter. If I ever had one, I would want her to be exactly like you and thanks for your comments about my meat eating poem. Jim Horn
Watson Avatar
February 12, 2014 at 1:08 PM
Beautiful
Chircop Avatar
August 18, 2013 at 12:37 AM
I am rereading this beauty..and I can see why drake honoured you with a first place.. Through your framed window He will always be there..He lives within you..Hugs..I have misty eyes!
Jones Avatar
July 29, 2013 at 3:29 PM
This got me again....tears......and congratulations
Gasun Avatar
July 28, 2013 at 1:18 AM
Biggest congratulations on your super win here my dear friend! This is really a great and excellent write which deserved its win & i truly love reading it this afternoon. A very touching one which reminds me also of my dad :( I'll also fave this. Thank you so much for sharing and again, many congratulations! love lots and big big hugs, Leonora
Gildersleeve Avatar
July 27, 2013 at 4:57 AM
Nette this is so beautifully written. Congratulations on your well deserve win. Warm Smiles, Connie
Roberts Avatar
July 27, 2013 at 12:17 AM
Congrats. Nette, its funny how daughters adore their tad's, then are close to their Mam's when a little older.......i adored my tad broke my heart to lose him last year. ........Seren
Goff Avatar
July 26, 2013 at 7:11 PM
Mmmnhh...i have 2-daughters i adore, Nette...22 & 25....they are my pumpernickle pies! One lives in my city....we're hiking all day tomorrow in Minnesota forestland (will bring my bowie knife) the other lives in Chi-town and will be listening to you and Drake tues. Nite! I will talk to you then! Jimbo
Jordan Avatar
July 26, 2013 at 5:02 PM
Congratulations, Nette. This is a beautiful and quite touching poem, much deserving of your win... Jack
A   Avatar
July 25, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Hello Nette, a wonderful poem & entry in The Confessional contest by: Drake. Congratulations on your winning poem. The Confessional
Anglesey Avatar
July 25, 2013 at 6:37 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win. absolutely breathtaking lines my friend. Astonishing :) Going in my faves
Wilson Avatar
July 25, 2013 at 4:04 PM
Such a beautiful and touching piece Nette...congratulations on your first place win! love,Deb
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