Written June 1 2026 for Father poetry contest sponsor Silent One
I’m Linwood’s daughter I still carry his last name Like a badge of honor Despite the purple pain Knowing him was an honor Despite all the hard truths As a precious poet who ponders Despite amethyst child abuse But I prefer to be as a sifter Letting the darkness fall away For now he’s with Big Dipper And his memory in me safe I focus on the good things I’m lucky to have this view He taught me to denim dream Plan execute and follow through He wasn’t a shy man at all His smile and laugh was sun He had the stance and walk Natural of a confident one He wasn’t a tall man yet Personality filled the room He was a chemist the best Ahead of his time like a bloom Like a flower in the winter He managed to grow anyway Racism hard times didn’t hinder Creative father at 18 born in May He was naturally neon funny Could lift your spirits high He always earned his money And carried hisself with pride My dad was an optimistic hero I could always talk to him too As I look out the past’s window I see his eyes in the mellow moon I see him as an arch angel now For he was a champion on earth His smile was a cure for frown His love was as holy as church I am Linwood’s daughter
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.