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Dad

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I never gave this last poem to my dad until the day he died. It was written about 10 or so years before, when he had just successfully undergone a 3rd cancer (of the jaw) operation that not even the senior surgeon who had conducted the other, earlier operations years before that, thought he would ever come out of anaesthetic, let alone survive and continue his life. . I was having to leave to go to the airport (to return to Malta) and I saw them wheeling him out. We (brother and sisters) went near the hospital trolley and although he had his eyes closed he gave a small smile and stuck his thumbs up. I started to write the poem on the plane back to Malta that evening.

I had been meaning to give it to him, but had not done in case he mocked me or made light of it. He probably would not have. I will never know. I asked that the original poem that I had carried with me for a number of years, was burnt with him when he was cremated

Dad

Is it too late to say “I love you, Dad”
As you lay there on your bed?
Are words enough to express myself
Or the thoughts within my head?

Is it too late to say “I love you, Dad?”
Though I’m sure you really know
Despite my actions, words and deeds
Which sometimes made you wonder so

Is it too late to say “I love you, Dad?”
As I look you in the eye
A smile spreads ‘cross your tortured face
It’s enough to make me cry

Is it too late to say “I love you, Dad”
From my anguished, anxious soul?
Though next to yours, the pain’s so small
And your strength should be my goal

Is it too late to say “I love you, Dad”
After all these years?
If you could you’d say it’s not
Just to assuage my fears

Is it too late to say “I love you, Dad”
As I stand here next to you, so..
So much time has passed us by
Now I just want you to know.

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Shirley Madeleine

Date: 5/20/2015 11:57:00 AM

Beautiful writes and wonderful tribute. We got one dad and its never too late to tell him how much we love him. Much Love and respect

Atya Tasneem

Date: 5/20/2015 10:49:00 AM

Thomas such a beautiful peice of poetry.It makes me appreciate my parents much and makes me realise how much i love them,and it never too late to tell them that

Tom Valles

Date: 5/20/2015 10:11:00 AM

Thomas, I just recently lost my dad. Your poem moved me a great deal. Excellent work. Thank you so much for sharing your talent.

Skat A

Date: 5/18/2015 1:54:00 PM

THOMAS, Congratulations on having your poem featured this week. SKAT love

Stellamoses Hart

Date: 5/17/2015 2:18:00 PM

So touching Thomas. It's never too late to say those words as long as he yet draws breadth. It's better late than never. Keep writing. Congrats on your selection

Robert Candler

Date: 2/3/2015 9:30:00 AM

POWERFUL! Thank you soooo much for the dedication. Fathers don't get enough respect these days.

Kj Force

Date: 9/9/2014 9:23:00 AM

Beautifully written words...too many times in life we question ourselves regarding how what and when. Thank you for sharing such a private thought, perhaps this will be an inspiration to others to make amends before it is too late...I am sure your Father knew you loved him. Life lesson learned...have a great day..

Jan Allison

Date: 9/6/2014 1:59:00 PM

A wonderful poem for your late father - I too have recently written several poems about or to my father - he has terminal cancer.Writing has been incredible therapy for me i didn't start to write till my husband had cancer surgery last year - posted my first poem here in February - just posted my 300th! Hugs Jan xxx

Jan Allison
Date: 9/7/2014 7:01:00 AM

I still have mum and dad aged 90 and 92 this year so i am truly blessed. You will find a wonderful community i am so glad you have joined:-) Hugs Jan xx

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 9/7/2014 5:56:00 AM

Hi Jan, Cancer got my dad on the 4th try. Taken in for pneumonia the surgeon just said "remember what happened to George Harrison" and left it hanging. Good to know that you have told your dad. Men tend to be a little more apprehensive.. Much to our chagrin. I have written for years but never found a place to put them. Poetrysoup made me feel so welcome. You were one of them. Thank you. xx

Rowdy Yates

Date: 8/6/2014 12:16:00 PM

This poem is a lesson to all to speak your mind. Because you might be the only one listening. Good job.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 9/7/2014 5:57:00 AM

Thanks Rowdy. Who knows perhaps our own sons might do the same to us... what a shame we lack courage sometimes...

Funom Makama

Date: 8/4/2014 8:32:00 AM

This is rather an outstanding poem to your dad Thomas and wherever he is right now, he will be all smiles, proud and happy of these lines despite coming after his transition!

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 8/4/2014 9:12:00 AM

Hi Funom and thank you for your kind words. He was still (just) this side of the transit lounge when I read it to him, so I hope beyond hope that he heard me and slipped off in peace... :)

Jennifer Neri

Date: 7/30/2014 4:46:00 PM

Such a great read!! I love this piece of yours.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/31/2014 1:58:00 AM

Thank you Jennifer. I am glad you liked it. :)

Doris Jamoner

Date: 7/30/2014 9:28:00 AM

This poem has really moved me since my father has already passed away. Now it is too late for me to say to my father I love you but not for my mother. Thanks for reminding us the importance to express our love now before it is too late.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/31/2014 1:57:00 AM

I am sure you have told him afterwards Doris. You are welcome. And don't just confine it to your mother :)

John Rey Canon

Date: 7/30/2014 1:53:00 AM

It's heart tearing. Many of us could not say "I love you" to our parents. excellent.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/31/2014 1:56:00 AM

If you can't find the courage (as I never could) then write a note and leave it laying around. You will find a way :)

John Rey Canon
Date: 7/30/2014 2:09:00 AM

I don't know where to get to courage. but thank you. I'll think of it a thousand times.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:55:00 AM

Hi there and thank you. I was scared of telling my father in case he laughed or ridiculed me. He more than likely wouldn't but I still sat on it for MANY years after I wrote it. I read it to him just a few short hours before he died. If your parents are still alive, let them know. It is never too late :)

Hija De La Luna

Date: 7/30/2014 12:37:00 AM

it's always a perfect time. i love the sentiment of this poem. great write, too!

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:20:00 AM

Hi there and thanks for your comment. I wrote this poem at least ten years before my dad was taken into hospital, where he subsequently passed away. Dad would probably have liked it. I will never know, because it was too late for him to respond in any way. I can only hope that he heard me before he slipped away a few hours later.

Tova Orbach

Date: 7/29/2014 10:42:00 PM

hope it's not too late to say- i love this poem!

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:22:00 AM

Hi there and thanks for your comment. I wrote this poem at least ten years before my dad was taken into hospital, where he subsequently passed away. I suppose it is never too late... We always seek our parents' approval no matter how old we are. And in doing so, hold back and not let them know even more...

Colin James Platt

Date: 7/29/2014 7:06:00 PM

A very good poem. I can relate to this. We all want to say these things to our parents but for some reason we don't always do it. Well done Thomas. Regards , Colin.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:25:00 AM

Hi there and thanks for your comment. We always seek our parents' approval no matter how old we are. And in doing so, hold back and not let them know even more.I was (gently) scolded by my friend's wife for not having given my dad the poem before and told "well go and read it to him now" (I was in Angola at the time).

Evelyn Hayes

Date: 7/29/2014 4:38:00 PM

I think it was very good. I never had a dad, so not quite sure how you feel.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:29:00 AM

Hi Evelyn, Thanks for your comment. Might I reply that the poem was written to and for my dad, but it can equally apply to any relative or friend with whom we would have loved to have told, but hadn't, for one reason or another. it is never too late. If there is someone who you feel this way about, tell them.

Margaret Franceschini

Date: 7/29/2014 4:24:00 PM

I think we all feel the same when it comes to losing our parents. I too felt did I say and do enough for them. You captured what we all go through on this topic. Beautifully and powerfully written.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:29:00 AM

Hi Margaret and thank you. It is never too late. Just do it :)

Ovidiu Bocsa

Date: 7/29/2014 2:59:00 PM

Kind of "common recollections" because something from each soul there is in another soul. Strong feelings in your beautful poetry.Best regards and wishes.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:30:00 AM

Thank you for your kind words.

Jim Carpenter

Date: 7/29/2014 2:43:00 PM

Oh how I know how you feel. My Dad had a stroke a little over a year ago. Reminds me to be kinder to him while we've still got him

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:32:00 AM

Hi Jim, It is never too late. Let him know. I was afraid to tell my dad. On his last day on this earth I read it to him as he lay in an oxygen tent. I read it while my brother and sisters were not there. I was still afraid to tell them too...

Deborah Kelley

Date: 7/29/2014 2:22:00 PM

I like it! I made me think of my father who has passed away. Perhaps it's not too late.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:34:00 AM

Hi Deborah. It is never too late. Go to his grave and tell him. Make a cup of tea and tell him. It will ease your spirit too :)

Nakym Sheffield

Date: 7/29/2014 2:11:00 PM

Very heartfelt.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:35:00 AM

Thank you Nakym

Cecilia Macfarlane

Date: 7/29/2014 11:38:00 AM

It's never to too late! Most of us can identify with these touching words of yours. An excellent write Thomas.

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:37:00 AM

Thank you Cecilia. I nearly never made it. In fact my dad had been in hospital for over a week when I finally plucked up the courage (while alone with him) to read it to him. Thanks once again for your kind words and encouragement.

Diana Burkholder

Date: 7/29/2014 11:04:00 AM

Thomas, Very moving poem that many will find accessible. all of us who have lost someone important will know the feelings you express. Why is it we have to come to ends and goodbyes, before we can express what is truly in our hearts? Your poem reminds me I have a choice. Something I want to remember. Blessing, Diana

Thomas Mansfield
Date: 7/30/2014 1:39:00 AM

Hi Diana and thank you for your comments. As I have written in another reply. It is about acceptance, our willingness to let go of our own apprehensions and TELL the people who we love. We are all afraid of rejection. I was. Yes, you have a choice. :)