Eileen Manassian Poet Dramatic Monologue

Notes About The Poem

Don'T Grow Old, Daddy

How could you get old, Daddy?
That's not supposed to happen
I'm your little girl
I can't see the stooped shoulders
I can't see the ravages of time, Daddy
Please don't get old

You were larger than life to me
Your word was gospel truth
I'd sit on your lap and fall to sleep
Knowing I was safe and sound
I'd play with your hair
and hear you sing
With that rich mellow voice
You were my comfort and strength, Daddy
Don't get old
Please!

I saw you take care of Mom
All those many  years
Bathing
Changing
Brushing her hair
Cooking for us kids
Daddy...
It was so hard to see her go from bad to worse
I knew she was going to die
You were the love birds...
Why did she have to die?
It's been fifteen years, Daddy

I've already lost one parent....
I can't even begin to think....
No, don't get old, Daddy
Don't....leave me
I love you!!!
I understood the love of God
Because of your love, Daddy

Please, don't get old

Eileen Manassian

My dad is visiting me from Cyprus. Ever time he comes to visit, I see a change in him. He'll turn 79 on March 12. he is in great health, but...I can't bear the thought of a time when....I can't bear the thought. May God keep him for me for longer....My father is an educator and pastor. He has his doctorate degree in Education and his MA in theology. He is my rock. I adore the man. He also is an author, and Yes, he writes poetry. Maybe later I'll post a poem he wrote about my birth! :)

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Eve Roper July 27, 2018 at 7:45 PM I see where you get your inspiration to write, sweet lady, following your daddy's footsteps.. Even though my dad has pass I still call :) him daddy . I enjoyed reading this well written poem. Hugs Eve

Line Gauthier September 24, 2017 at 7:36 AM How very touching. How wonderful to have been blessed by such a wonderful father. Well crafted poem.

Anne-Lise Andresen June 1, 2017 at 2:48 AM - So beautiful to your father Eileen, a lot of love <3 - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Richard Lamoureux April 25, 2015 at 7:19 AM I enjoyed rereading this tribute to your Dad Eileen.

Su Ben March 18, 2015 at 3:23 PM This poem made me cry, tears well up in my eyes. You are a darling little girl of your proud father. Great!

Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2015 at 9:26 AM What a great story Eileen, you must be proud of him.

Richard Nnoli March 5, 2015 at 3:02 PM wooooow, i love the flow of this poem, and it sence so touching i must say, elieen poems are so beautiful so far i have read and i just keep wanna go on and on, i understand your love for papa lol, richard Eileen Manassian March 5, 2015 at 9:58 PM Thanks, Richard. You have brought me a great deal of joy with your many visits. I will be there to visit you soon. My time is limited with visitors here. I will make amends soon. Blessings.

Richard Lamoureux March 5, 2015 at 1:45 PM He is very distinguished. Eileen Manassian March 5, 2015 at 10:02 PM I shared your comment with him. :) It made him happy. Thank you. My father was just sharing with my daughter and I how he stood for the Sabbath during his service in the Iranian army. We are Adventists and we believe that the Biblical holy day is still the one to keep now...the Sabbath....from sunset Friday till sunset Saturday...as those were the creation days....we refrain from work and have a day of celebrating God's creative and redemptive power. My dad was willing to go to prison or lose his life to keep the Sabbath holy. He proved his integrity to those in command and was given the day off. Even when the KING of the country came to visit that day, my father didn't march, but stayed in the barracks. I admire that kind of steadfastness.

Richard Lamoureux March 5, 2015 at 10:06 AM I would love to read his poetry! This is a great tribute to your dad. Eileen Manassian March 5, 2015 at 10:09 AM Thanks, Richard. He writes beautifully well. I just don't want Dad to read some of my sensual writes. He wouldn't approve. I'm not ready for that. Thanks for the visit.

Demetrios Trifiatis March 5, 2015 at 3:13 AM Very emotional and deep loving poem for the man who infused the spirit in you! It is difficult for a child, no matter the age, to contemplate the death of his father or mother. Be thankful to the Lord for letting your father be around . Myself I lost him when he was only 45! Pray your father to get older for it is the only way to reach the one hundred years old. As a father I am touched to the core of my soul by your poem, dearest Eileen. I wish all daughters could feel the same! Hugs!

Shane Cooper March 5, 2015 at 12:07 AM dear little one you have taken a peice of your beautiful heart and transformed it into the most wonderous words of adoration and love, tinged with the fear of loss. Any father would weep tears of love to have their daughter write such words as you have written. You show your soul to all again and it SHINES brighter than the stars. This poem I will keep in my heart. Stay well my dearest friend. love Shane xxx

Laura Leiser March 4, 2015 at 9:31 PM Oh, this poem is so touching, Eileen! I have trouble seeing my dad get older, too. Your poem has struck a chord with me. Your dad should be proud to have a loving daughter like yourself. God bless! :) Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 10:08 PM Thank you, Laura. Your visit makes me happy. Thank you for bringing me joy. Blessings.

Casarah Nance March 4, 2015 at 5:11 PM Wow, this is incredibly touching. It is hard for me to relate, both my parents died before I turned 25. You are so fortunate to have that. You have so much strength in your love and words, that is beautiful. Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 10:19 PM I'm so sorry, Cas. That is so early to have to live without the love and support of parents. Yes, I am grateful that I have my father with me till now. Thanks, sweetie, for this lovely post. I appreciate it. Hugs

David Brown March 4, 2015 at 2:33 PM Wow, what a wonderful, loving tribute Eileen. Your Father must be just as proud and grateful as you. David Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 10:22 PM :) Thank you, David. I know I fall short of some of his expectations, but I never doubt his love for me.

Robb Cee March 4, 2015 at 12:56 PM This poem got me thinking of my own children. I wonder if they are thinking the same thing. This is what poetry is about. It's supposed to make you think, it's supposed to have meaning. Great job. Wonderful write. Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 1:01 PM Thank you, Robert. It is hard to see a parent age. I know my daughter gets after me to take better care of my health. There are no guarantees in life. We have to value each moment. Thanks for the visit.

Tim Smith March 4, 2015 at 12:47 PM This brought tears to my eyes Eileen. It got me thinking how my two girls will think of me as I get older...so beautiful...hugs Tim Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 1:30 PM Yes, Tim....You are a wonderful dad. They will feel the same way I feel about my daddy. Cherish these times you have. Hugs

David Meade March 4, 2015 at 11:33 AM LO!!! This is my favorite now . . . my lovely friend Rajat is correct -- this is a divine love. I adore your pictures above, priceless . . . this is a passionate love filled with tenderness, strength, courage . . . his love resides in your heart -- no one can take that away!! I can't wait to read his poem . . . his words will continue to live with you. Much love and light -- thank-you for sharing this special poem. 7 fav Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 11:44 AM My post to you went to Kim...So, I'm reposting....Thanks so much, David. My daddy and I are very close. I adore him. Someone once told me that I'd never get married because I'd measure every man up to my dad....He and I sing duets together at times. He also sings with my daughter. He is here to give some seminars and lectures. I'm so happy to have him here especially with my husband away on one of his trips. I always tell God to go easy on me....Growing up knowing my Mama was dying has left me fearful of death. May God grant him long life. Right now he is in the kitchen cooking a favorite dish for my brother's family. Yes...He's a great cook! ;) HUGS Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 11:35 AM

Kp Nunez March 4, 2015 at 11:25 AM Eileen, was about to turn in but can't stop myself when I saw your latest post. I'll say you have been blessed than most. I won't say lucky, for luck has nothing to do with it. It is a gift, having that wonderful relationship with parents, especially your father. May you continue to enjoy more years of his life. Cherish him, find more creative ways to show how much you care. I would love to know that you, at least are able to do that, as I no longer can for such a long time now. Hugs! Kim Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 11:37 AM Oh Kim....your post touched my heart so much. My dad and I have always been super close...until my daughter came along! ;) I'm so happy Shereen and Grandpa have that special bond. She also is feeling a bit sad that he is getting older....This is life, my dear. I'm sorry you can't have your daddy near you. The death of my Mama scarred me for life. I have a poem on that. The hypochondriac. Thank God...He knows when is best. Every day we live is written in His book. Hugs

Honestly J.T. March 4, 2015 at 11:24 AM Great poem Eileen. We should do another collab. I believe it would be our best -JT Honestly J.T. March 4, 2015 at 11:56 AM soupmail Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 11:45 AM :) Hey you!!! Why not? What you got in mind. That tattoo one was sweet! :) SHORT AND SWEET! :) Hugs...get in touch.

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty March 4, 2015 at 11:16 AM father/Daughter relationship is a divine one. I see this divinity in this poem. God will give him long life and good health.Love Wondera... Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 11:46 AM Rajat....thank you. My father has taught me about God in many ways. I know sometimes I disappoint him, but...he still loves me. I'm blessed. Thank you for visiting me again. Hugs

Ilene Bauer March 4, 2015 at 10:57 AM this is a beautiful poem about your father, eileen. your love for him shines through loud and clear! Eileen Manassian March 4, 2015 at 11:47 AM I do love him so much, Ilene. I was crying as I wrote this. I used to sit on his lap till I got too big to do that! ;) He always teases me....saying I'm a handful! Thank you for stopping by. Hugs