Notes About The Poem

7/3/2024 for I couldn't talk about it, so I wrote a poem Poetry Contest sponsored by Silent One.

I Couldn't Talk about it, So I Wrote a Poem

I'm proud of you,
And I love you.
You are:
Calm,
Confident,
Kind
Well-reasoned, 
Reserved,
Gentle,
Humble,
Thoughtful,
Intelligent,
Insightful, 
Observant,
And
Articulate.
You exercise sound judgment,
And have a good sense of humor.
You are independent.
Repeatedly, you've shown
You can make a plan
And execute it.
You've found a kind, intelligent, empathic mate.  

This is what I can see from the outside.
Inside you, I'm sure there is more to know and love.

You have overcome obstacles,
Such as my role in choosing one of your babysitters.

I've always been hard on myself,
A perfectionist,
Focusing, at times with frustration,
On my own deficiencies,
Rather than my merits.
Grappling with my own physical and mental challenges,
Unfortunately, one could not keep them entirely to myself, 
And also, I'm afraid, by extension, 
I've focused my perfectionism
On you.
This must have been hard on you
In a number of ways.
I'm sorry.

My hats off to you.
You deserve credit
For whom you are, and the man you've become.
Rather than focus on my deficiencies,
I congratulate myself, 
For whatever positive role I may have played.  

I'm proud of you,
and I love you.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
August 13, 2024 at 7:18 AM
very touching ~
Crandall Avatar
August 13, 2024 at 2:27 PM
Thanks Line!
Woods Avatar
July 23, 2024 at 10:34 AM
Awe... David! I hope you can read this too your child or at least allow them to read it. To hear this kind of love and approval from a parent is something that can only positively effect one's life. Such beautiful and introspective words. Xoxo
Crandall Avatar
July 23, 2024 at 12:13 PM
Thanks Crystol! Your absolutely right - I will!
One Avatar
July 22, 2024 at 11:42 AM
I am surprised you are unable to tell your child these feelings.. but I can understand as a father, sometimes we do keep them in.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Woods Avatar
July 24, 2024 at 12:43 AM
Hey good luck with the wedding speech! You're right, this is a great place to start. You'll knock their socks off! Xo
Crandall Avatar
July 23, 2024 at 12:15 PM
Thanks! I did draw from it - wrote my speech last night, but it will be a year before I give it - lol- at least plenty of time to revise!
One Avatar
July 22, 2024 at 1:55 PM
I am the same as you and it's difficult when you have two daughters who express how they feel.all.the time...I think this is a perfect foundation for your speech
Crandall Avatar
July 22, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Thanks, Silent One. I have quite a lot of room for improvement in that kind of communication. Coincidentally, I was just now brainstorming on a speech I will make for my son's wedding, and it occurs to me that this poem will help me with ideas.
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