He walked a fine line;
a blend between temper and tenderness.
A battle scar of life running down his chest
to his umbilicus; he was as good at his racket
as a father ought be. He was unfinished,
a draft of who he could’ve been.
A man that could string good days together
like strikes in a perfect game. Spare me the
denigration, any crack in his foundation
was merely a trace at best. Nothing could
augment my current state or make me
refrain from exulting the man. He would
latch onto his family and hold on for dear life.
And so it had been with my father!
Written for the SUNDAY WHIRL – Wordle #61
THROUGH THE EYES OF A POET'S HEART 
Wonderful! Words fit seamlessly as though crafted just for this tribute! 🙂 Happy Fathers’ Day
Thanks Pearl.
excellent tribute. we all have our flaws, but as long as we are trying, making the effort to actually be a father, we hope our children will remember us like this. well done.
Walt, a fine poem. I like “a blend between temper and tenderness” – maybe because that’s how I see myself.
Richard
Walt, a fine tribute to the fathers of the world. Seamless write.
Pamela
I, too, exalt my dad – his love, his work, his sense of humor – I hope I am like him, gone now for too many years….
While I think my own dad, was just a tad taller…I think you wrote of him. Thank you for reminding me of him, as well as my FIL who stood 6’4″.
I continued a story verse:
http://julesgemsandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/06/sunday-whirl-61-making-connections.html
Such wonderful homage the man, your father … beautifully penned Walt – I believe you wrote him tall …
This is a beautiful tribute, Walt. I love it.
You’ve captured it, Walt!
I can tell that your father is remembered fondly, Walt. A wonderful tribute today, Father’s Day.
He was unfinished,
a draft of who he could’ve been
…There is a sadness in this… the poem is a lovely tribute to the sacrifices parents make. Sounds like your father was very happy in his role!
So many strong images here . . . “battle scar of life running down his chest….”
“He was unfinished, / a draft of who he could’ve been.” I could go on. A marvelous poem, and you made it work as a Father’s Day tribute. So glad I came over to read this one.
Walt- it is so good to hear things from a mans perspective. That fine line shows the true strength of the men we love. Well done
I have always thought that the highest compliment I could receive was to be told that I reminded someone of my father. It is both a gift and a responsibility. Wonderful tribute you created and thank you for the memories.
Elizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/
I love the title, Walt. The poem works wonderfully, but the title holds the love.
I will add my “great tribute” to the others’ comments…a great way to use the wordle words.
I also loved the proximity of “strike” and “spare” — clever word play, as I would expect no less. Brilliant.
A Father’s Day poem from a wordl on Father’s Day, a tribute with truth and love for what was and what could have been.
A perfect Father’s Day tribute. My dad was a member of the Zipper Club, too. So much love shines in this and through this, Walt, thanks! Amy
Wonderful honoring of your father. I know just how you feel.
Pingback: Response to Sunday Wordle |