l.-r. me, my dad, and my brother
Daddy’s hands were large, with dark hair and pleasant tone
They were proportionate to his thin frame and long bones
Hands I used to stand and watch, transfixed, as he shaved
My father’s eyes rarely had courage to meet theirs and mine
Fearful of what he might see in our mirrors? Perhaps, but
They also avoided the perils of others learning his soul’s quills
Papa, can you hear me? You were so much more than you know.
You taught us fear; but you also taught us gentleness and how
To listen to the night trees whispering their secrets. Rest easy.
I could write an epic poem about my dad but this will have to do for now.
Punam is today’s host of dVerse’ Poetics. Punam says:
So, you must have gathered, today we are going to write about fathers. Whether you want to write about your father, a fictional father or yourself as a father, is up to you. The father you write about can be an ordinary dad, a demigod or a demon. To help you along I am sharing titles of some songs about fathers. Please use at least three in your poem on father. Use the title as is, though of course you can break the title or use punctuation if required but do not insert any word.
My father’s eyes: Eric Clapton
Papa, can you hear me?: Barbara Streisand
Daddy’s hands: Holly Dunn
Tao Talk 
I love how you captured him… he sounds like dads should be… and that picture is adorable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bjorn. He was a very quiet sort, but when he’d had enough, watch out. He had a good sense of humor when he wasn’t trapped in his head. Getting out in nature got him out of his head.
LikeLike
A lovely tribute to your dad. They’re so important to who we become. A really cute photo too.
LikeLike
D, thank you very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve really captured the child-you, watching your father. There’s a lot of emotion in these words. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, K. I really loved my dad and my mom. Sometimes it wasn’t easy to know how. I felt they cared about me, each in their own way.
LikeLike
A beautiful photo Li. You’ve used few words but have given us a good portrait of your dad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadje, thank you very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful tribute to your dad, Lisa. I also love that picture. I just returned from a very short trip to Germany for my mom’s 85th birthday. My dad is still alive as well. I already dread the day when they no longer will be there. I know it’s inevitable, and I need to be grateful they have reached such high ages (my dad is 87).
Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring my wife and son, and we couldn’t do our family vacation in Portugal and Spain, which we had planned to follow right after the birthday celebration. Even though my wife applied for expedited renewal of her passport more than 8 weeks ago, she hasn’t received it. As such, we rebooked the vacation for November.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Christian, thank you. You truly are blessed your folks are still alive and that you are able to go see them. So sorry your wife’s passport got held up. November is far away from now 😦 But her passport will be sure to be here by then. Did you have a nice visit with your folks?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, while very short and sadly without my wife and my son, the visit was great. My mom who isn’t doing that well was happy to see all who came. I hope everything will work out in November, so I get to see my parents twice this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully done, Lisa. I am seriously considering doing this one for my dad, too 🙂
LikeLike
Dale I hope you do. Thank you. My has been gone almost 30 years already 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah man… Mine will be ten years this May and I still miss him so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really miss my dad. I lost him in 2006.
LikeLiked by 1 person
From what you’ve said about him, he’s a person I would have liked to meet. It’s tough whenever you lose a parent as we always need them even when we think we don’t 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
I felt like an orphan after mom and dad passed…I totally agree. They passed within 6 months of each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A heart felt sketch of your father. You should write more of him, as we all should. My father is in many of my short stories, as well as my mother. It’s not as much as I could write, but it’s my way of saying thankyou. I believe you summed it up quite well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much, Phil. I’ve written quite a bit about my mom but not much about my dad. My dad was an extraordinary human being. Flawed as all of us are, but extraordinary nonetheless.
LikeLike
I think a good story featuring both would be welcomed. All children should try and write of their liniage as best they can. It may not be Hemingway style, but no once cares, it’s from the heart and would be a good read and influence.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phil would that mean my mom and dad would have to be in the room together 😉 Just kidding. Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.
LikeLike
Touching and intriguing.💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful tribute, Li. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Kitty ❤
LikeLike
I really saw a glimpse of your dad through your eyes Lisa lovely ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ Thank You ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I love this vivid capture ….and the last stanza is breathtaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mish, thank you. I hope to see him again some day and tell him.
LikeLike
This is very compelling.
LikeLike
Thank you, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person