When you cried for twenty-seven nights straight (I counted), and kept me from keeping my eyes closed at night, and open during the day, I still loved you.
When you were two and broke my nose just because you felt like playing the head-butting game, I still loved you.
When you were ten and said your first curse word to your grandmother. Although I reprimanded you, I still loved you.
At thirteen, you decided to sneak out for the first time in hopes of not being caught. You were and the love still remained true.
Just before seventeen; three o'clock in the morning; you were caught making out with Tom out of your bedroom window, which was, if you remember, on the second story of our house.
You were grounded, Tom was forever gone, and, although it did not seem like it, I still loved you.
You got married without my meeting the one you called "The man of [your] dreams," moved to New york for a year, and only came to see your mother and I once. I still loved you, honey.
You got pregnant with Oliver - how sweet to name him after me - and moved back home after the divorce, which your mother and I strongly disapproved of. I loved you no less then.
I am gone, only now speaking from the grave. You and I both know that we have made too many mistakes toward each other to count, but with my last word to you, I want you to know that all of my days were spent thinking of how to let you know that I was never mad at you and hated you, like you always thought.
Will you forgive the life that I gave you, that you thought was so horrible, that you were so quick to rid yourself of?
I hope that you turn out the best that you can, and I still love you.
-Your Father
Author notes
A poem of a father to a daughter about his love for her, despite what she has done and continues to do. This is from personal expirience, yet I was the son who did not realize that his father did love him until it was too late. So this is a letter to my future daughter that ,I one day, hope to have. I hope that I can make sure that she knows that I love her. I hope that I, or anyone alse for that matter, does not have to write a letter from beyond the grave to let their children know that they actually did love them. My advice to you is to be as good of parent as you can be, regardless of your children's opinions of you! They will love you in the end for it!
A contest entry
- AP Family by SunDew.
600 points, ended September 25, 2007, 5 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
When you . . . I still loved you.
Comments
-
This is so full of detail, but more importantly, speaks of the unconditional love parents typically feel towards their children. Poignant and beautiful.
-
I have to say, I hear my own father's voice in this. He died when I was 19, but his words still ring true in my heart. This is a lovely piece, and I'm sure you will reach the heart of the hostess. Hugs, Patricia
-
Please read the comments on the contest page...especially the one entitled "A Note To All". Thank you!
~SunfloweRose -
Wow!
This poem made me laugh & long for a father like the one in your poem. My father was only around for the earliest years of my life & even now, he's not the kind of father (or person) I had always dreamed he was. My father loved me this much only once, & I was far too young to truly remember it. Now, I'm "from another life." I'm sure you will be the kind of father your poem describes when you have one.
I wish you the very best in life & good luck in the contest!
~SunfloweRose
Adding your comment:
