Janice Canerdy Poet Rhyme

You Were Wrong, Dad

I’d follow in Dad’s footsteps, he presumed.
Post-college, I would join the company
Great Grandpa founded. As the future loomed,
I had to drop the bomb: “Dad, try to see
it's MY life; I have chosen forestry."

I still recall his vitriolic rant:
“You’ll be a dismal failure, wait and see.
Succeed without MY leadership? You can’t.
You’re going nowhere fast. Someday you’ll be
rock bottom. Don’t come crawling back to me!”

Dad can’t believe I’m happy with my life.
He sees me as a failure to this day!
Perhaps he thinks I hide heartache and strife,
results of having chosen my own way!



September 18, 2020
Poetry Contest Title: The Fourth Floor of Nowhere 
     received NA on September 21, 2020



Date: September 29, 2020
Contest Title: Second Chance 
Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke            

October 1, 2020
Contest: Your Best Unacclaimed Poem
Sponsor: John Hamilton

May 2, 2021
entered in Carolyn Devonshire's Footsteps Contest

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Sam Kauffman May 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM You chose wisely, Janice, and followed your unique giftedness with courage yet eloquently expressed your father's disappointment - those feelings that are his and his alone. This poem expresses such a universal theme. So many will be able to relate. Congratulations and blessings to you!

Unseeking Seeker May 4, 2021 at 8:45 AM Oops! Happy you followed your heart! Invite your dad for a short (or long) stay; he will see your success. Congrats, Janice

Carolyn Devonshire May 4, 2021 at 8:21 AM Although my father tried to steer me in a different direction, at least he didn't view me as a failure, Janice. I had a lump in my throat thinking how he made you feel. I'm glad you pursued the path that was right for you. There were many extraordinary poems in this contest. Congratulations on a well-deserved win! And thank you for supporting the contest. Hugs, Carolyn

Gershon Wolf September 23, 2020 at 7:23 PM This so resonates. It was the story of the first half of my life, truth be told. Oh, well... the second half's much better at least. Thanks, Janice. Light and Life, Gershon Janice Canerdy September 23, 2020 at 8:00 PM Thanks so much, Gershon. Janice

Vijay Pandit September 19, 2020 at 5:05 AM Most Dads think they know best--and certainly mean well. Much pleasure in following own passion--as you have so well illustrated, Janice. Janice Canerdy September 19, 2020 at 6:48 AM Thanks so much, Vijay. Janice

Tom Cunningham September 19, 2020 at 1:22 AM Im happy to see dad was proved wrong. Hope you're well Janice. Good luck in the contest Tom Janice Canerdy September 19, 2020 at 6:49 AM Thanks so much, Tom. Janice