Tough-guy Dad
He hadn’t cried since he was six
He’d taken the knocks and fought back
Always the leader of the gang
Thought he had what others lack
Unlike his friends, he got married
Faithful to his wife, loved his son
Some things have to be respected
A happy home is number one
He would never blink an eyelid
When presenting gifts to his lad
No acknowledgement; no ‘thank-you’
Tough-guy lad, just like tough-guy dad
Words were not needed, actions spoke
The final kiss goodnight revealed
The true depth of mutual love
Unconditional, unconcealed
Beside the boy, tucked up in bed
Toys, clothes, gifts tough-guy dad had bought
Wrapped in his arms, close to his heart
Inspired tough-guy dad to deep thought
Turning away to leave the room
Tough-guy dad battled with the tears
That welled up in his tough-guy eyes
Driving out doubt, allaying fears
What about people who say
‘Children should be seen and not heard’?
Had they really paid attention
Considered their thought, deed, or word?
Observation, care, devotion
Render spoken thanks obsolete
The forces of pure emotion
Produce feelings that can’t be beat
Speak gratitudes, give platitudes
Shallow praise for the simple mind
Locking doors, closed by attitudes
Tough guys see all; some think love’s blind
where as i love the whole concept,, i am especially taken with the seventh stanza,, i have long thought that there was more wisdom in the words and visions of innocence than there will ever be in the mind of an experienced adult....
ReplyDeletevery nicely written....
Thanks paisley; I agree, but often their expressions, especially of gratitude, which can be hard for them to voice, say much more than their words ever could.
ReplyDeleteClearly not the motive behind the 'seen and not heard' phrase, used by so many adults.
This is really lovely. Is it about you and yours. Tough guys , yes/no.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda; It's based on observations of various fathers and their children. Me a tough guy? yes - like the lion in Wizard of Oz!
ReplyDeleteNicely written piece, I like the lad/dad thing..
ReplyDeleteThanks Andy; Just wanted to put across the bond that exists between fathers and children from all walks of life.
ReplyDeleteThat was wonderful! He's tough and soft at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angel; When it comes to our own kids; all the inhibitions and masks we hide behind become unnecessary.
ReplyDelete