Millard Lowe Poet Tanka

Notes About The Poem

FATHER TO ELDER SON: ONCE MORE AGAIN  

 

I am your father;

Let me not be a bother,

Nor your enemy:

Please come and visit with me;

My time here will soon not be:-

 

The compass of God,

Has never led one astray;

Satan’s does—each day:-

Be in God’s navigation;

And love’s resurrection:- 

 

Have mercy on me,

And forgive me for my sins 

Against God and thee:- 

Love you more than you can know; 

Forgive me before I go:-

 

Forgiveness of me

Is not about forgetting;

It’s about mercy:

For the pain you’ve given me, 

God knows, I’ve forgiven thee. 

 

I’ll die loving you,

I have lived life loving you:

God guiding me on:-

And as death takes me further,

Pray tell, greets from your brother:-

 

FATHER TO ELDER SON: ONCE MORE AGAIN

FATHER TO ELDER SON: ONCE MORE AGAIN   

I am your father;
Let me not be a bother,
Nor your enemy:
Please come and visit with me;
My time here will soon not be:-

The compass of God,
Has never led one astray;
Satan’s does—each day:-
Be in God’s navigation;
And love’s resurrection:- 

Have mercy on me,
And forgive me for my sins 
Against God and thee:- 
Love you more than you can know; 
Forgive me before I go:-

Forgiveness of me
Is not about forgetting;
It’s about mercy:
For the pain you’ve given me, 
God knows, I’ve forgiven thee. 

I’ll die loving you,
I have lived life loving you:
God guiding me on:-
And as death takes me further,
Pray tell, greets from your brother:-

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Alison A Smith nee Howarth August 22, 2026 at 9:44 PM This is an incredibly moving and vulnerable piece. You have used the linked tanka form beautifully to convey such a raw, heartfelt plea from a father to a son. The themes of mutual forgiveness, enduring love, and steadfast faith in God's navigation make this poem deeply touching. The emotional weight of the final stanza, combined with the gentle reminder of mercy, leaves a powerful and lasting impact. Thank you for sharing such a poignant and courageous write. Millard Lowe August 23, 2026 at 8:09 PM Thanks, Alison. Indeed, it has been God's navigating grace that led me to share this with others and their sons and daughters who likewise seek God's healing grace that comes with loving forgiveness. Let us continue to LIVE this healing grace: Crucufixion>Ressurection>Ascention; Onderful, Oneness, Onement. Once again, your encouraging and inspiring feedback, is so nourishing. One, Peace and Love.