Notes About The Poem

My Dad

What makes a child feel closer to one parent rather than to the other?
           Although love bound me to the heart of my mother,
               it was to my Father's side that I chose to cling.
   He was always the first up in the morning, even before the sun.
      He knew as a farmer, his work in the fields was never done.

        I remember my first day of school. He was the bus driver.
       Timid little me, I looked out the window and there he was,
       peering back at me. I ran from the room and into his arms.
        After a hug he looked me in the eye and said. "Don't cry."
                            I thought I was home free,
   but my Dad took me by the hand and walked me back to my desk. 
                 My Dad, he always knew how to handle me.

                           I wanted no part of housework. 
                     To the fields I followed him after school.
It was our time to talk about our dreams, problems, whatever was on our minds.
         He never stopped, not even after open heart surgery...twice. 
                   It slowed him down, but never made him quit. 
                       I watched the strength in him fade away,
                      day after day he lost the battle of ill health. 
         His kidneys were shutting down and he finally lost his will to live.   
The last time he opened his eyes I kissed him goodbye and he could only smile. 
     That night he went into a coma and I prayed to God that He let him die.  
                   I've never felt guilty about those prayers.
                       I'd already lost my Father to sleep. 

                       I have no bad memories of my Dad.  
                 He was never the one to dole out a spanking. 
   He was my buddy; my hero in every sense of the over used word. 
We hunted together~ he taught me to drive a tractor ~ I could go on. 
                      He loved me as much as I still love him. 
I was blessed to have such a wonderful father, and grandfather to my children.

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December 31st, 2015    Tell About your Dad Contest:    Sponsor: Judy Konos
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Bickerstaffe Avatar
January 4, 2016 at 3:29 PM
What a wonderful tribute to your dad... he was your buddy, your hero,' you were as close to him as he was to you. One cannot ask for any more. I teared up at this one Lin... it is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing! Best wishes, Keith
Lane Avatar
January 4, 2016 at 3:36 PM
Thank you, Keith. Your tears are high praise. My dad was a humble man, so deserving of a tribute.
Nunez Avatar
December 31, 2015 at 8:23 PM
Gosh, Lin... I was tearing up by the time I reached the last line! Writes about strong father/daughter bond never fail to touch me. You write in simple narrative but one feels the love, the gratitude, and that special emotion reserved for people that truly shaped us. Loved your write, lady. Here's wishing you the best this holiday season and greater things this 2016. PS. Here today just to read/reply and visit some. hugs!
Lane Avatar
January 1, 2016 at 4:01 AM
Hi, Kim! I'm so happy that you're visiting. Thank you so much for reading. Send me soup mail when ever you like... I'm missing you. hugs!
Sage Avatar
December 31, 2015 at 3:27 PM
blessed you are, the poem's so touching
Lane Avatar
December 31, 2015 at 3:31 PM
I appreciate you kind comments, Shehu.
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