Dear Daddy

The words that slid across my lips 
to linger on your ear
though well rehearsed
I feared the worst - 
THESE ones you wouldn't hear

The same I love yous spilled from me
as I stood beside your bed
and as I cried  
through half-closed eyes
you seemed to nod your head

A man of vast intelligence
and stimulating verse
you pardoned my
"simplicity"
preserving my self-worth

So splendid was your character
persuasion couldn't mar
Integrity was still to me
your greatest gift by far

A father of great sacrifice,
a husband kind and true
as mom recalled 
she showed us all
how much she cared for you

The hands that toiled 
on through the years
and never knew a rest
until your heart
refused its part
and followed you in death

You're not forgotten, daddy
your legacy remains:
To your adoration;
inspiration
I dedicate the same
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Hoffman Avatar
May 14, 2017 at 7:46 PM
Awesome tender tribute to your late father Gayle; I can relate when you say it feels like yesterday...Hope you had a happy Mom's Day~Che :)
Rodd Avatar
May 14, 2017 at 8:39 PM
Thank you Cheryl. It was wonderful. I hope your day was great too. Thank you for reading. My dad was one of a kind.
Kinch  Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 12:24 PM
In this day and age when so many children grow up without their daddies aren't we lucky to have been blessed with a wonderful fathers. Sorry yours is no longer with you in body Gayle, great tribute. #7
Rodd Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 12:31 PM
Thank you Elizabeth. I was truly blessed. He's been gone about 16 years and it still feels like yesterday.
Smith Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 10:36 AM
What a beautiful tribute Gayle. It makes me think about the relationship I have with my girls.
Rodd Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 11:09 AM
thank you Tim. He is sorely missed.
Gupta Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 7:44 AM
A nice poem ... Enjoyed reading ...
Rodd Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 7:57 AM
thank you so much Probir
Pigeon Tart Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 7:38 AM
Oh my, crying in my coffee, that is a wonderful write Gayle, a 7 & bless xomo
Rodd Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 7:57 AM
I know, I couldn't help but cry a little too!
Green Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 7:35 AM
Such a beautiful and heart touching tribute to your father. He sounds like he was an amazing man. Wonderfully written from the heart Gayle
Rodd Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 7:58 AM
I can't put into words what a great person he was (but I tried!)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace