If I Could Write a Book

If I could write a book, my son, 
And put it in your hand,
So many things of life and love 
I’d have you understand: 

Of books to read and hills to climb 
And foods you need to taste; 
The value of your closest friend, 
And time you dare not waste. 

If I could write a book, my son, 
And, if I could write it well, 
One chapter there would stand alone; 
One theme on which to dwell. 

I’d write of bridges wide and strong; 
Of beams that bear their load, 
Unwavering in the task assigned, 
So, worth their weight in gold! 

I’d write of honest men and true, 
Dependable and brave, 
Who brook their trials like a king; 
Noble-born or slave!

But alas, my son, I would write in vain. 
This truth you know, and well: 
This chapter you must write alone; 
Not mine, but yours to tell!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 12/15/2017 9:00:00 PM
Hi Dean, this is a wonderful write! I hope your sons will appreciate all the love you put into it. Great flow with a rhythm that makes it dance right off the page. I love it...superb
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Dean Wood
Date: 12/17/2017 12:35:00 PM
Wow,high praise! Thank you so much Jeanie.
Date: 6/18/2017 5:39:00 PM
FANTASTIC poem, Dean. I love this.
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Dean Wood
Date: 7/3/2017 11:08:00 AM
Thanks Andrea! Coming from you that is a compliment indeed. Glad you enjoyed it. - Dean
Date: 6/17/2017 3:57:00 AM
Indeed you have the material and talent to write many books Dean - Your 'Jeepin' alone can fill a couple of chapters and now this!!! I'm sure your experiences alone will help your son to finish the chapter with special memories of you...Maria :)
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Dean Wood
Date: 7/3/2017 11:09:00 AM
Thanks Maria. You are too kind. It is wonderful to watch your kids grow into solid adults. I have been blessed! - Dean
Date: 6/17/2017 1:54:00 AM
Wonderful quatrain Dean, kept true throughout the entire poem. I love the way you talk to the next generation with a sort of acceptance that at a given moment one needs to step back and watch from a distance.
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Dean Wood
Date: 7/3/2017 11:20:00 AM
Thank you Darren. This is indeed a compliment. It is true, there comes a point when you have more to teach but their tolerance for being taught is gone. You just hope it is enough. Regards, Dean
Date: 6/15/2017 7:54:00 PM
I like the way the words flow in this poem.I can also picture you, telling all this to your son. I also enjoyed this poem
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Dean Wood
Date: 7/3/2017 11:25:00 AM
What a kind thing to say Darlene. I worked hard on the flow of this poem. So glad you enjoyed it! Dean
Date: 6/15/2017 6:14:00 PM
Exceptional poetry, Dean. I can tell you right now, once they hit their teens, they already know what you have to say. Lol
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Dean Wood
Date: 7/3/2017 11:22:00 AM
Thanks Daniel. This was a Father's Day gift to my six children (3 sons). It has been a true joy to watch them grow up and take on the responsibilities of adulthood. I have truly been blessed. Regards, Dean
Date: 6/15/2017 1:54:00 PM
Yes, when wisdom kicks in, a parent realizes that the torch is passed, it is their story to write. Nuce, Dean!
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Dean Wood
Date: 7/3/2017 11:24:00 AM
Thanks Kim. You are right, you just have to hope you have given them what they need then stand back. It is not as easy as it would seem to do that. Regards, Dean
Date: 6/15/2017 1:50:00 PM
I agree w/Heidi. This is a most excellent poem, Dean. So thoughtful and wise. The compassionate intimacy of father passing on wisdom to son is so very well expressed by your golden pen. A joy to read and treasure. This is pure poetry, my friend. Love and peace.
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Dean Wood
Date: 7/3/2017 11:28:00 AM
Freddie, you are too kind. This is a compliment I will cherish! So glad you enjoyed it. Regards, Dean
Date: 6/15/2017 9:10:00 AM
Excellent Dean! What a great poem :)
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Dean Wood
Date: 7/3/2017 11:28:00 AM
Thank you Heidi! I always enjoy hearing from you. Nice job on your painting for Chris' poem btw. Lovely! - Dean
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