Few things fill my soul to the brim
Like the love for my three daughters.
Long ago youngsters,
Now empowered women
In their own right,
But forever children
In my heart nevertheless.
I become their loving witness
As they venture forth
On their respective journeys.
Stretched across the miles
Our interwoven lives becomes the fabric
That will not be torn,
This is family.
I celebrate their victories
And shoulder their pain in loss,
I endure the lessons taken,
Submit counsel from loving compassion,
The fatherland in stormy weather,
An anchor in safe harbor,
Home in a word.
They are sunlight drenching cloudy days,
Heavenly rain for the parched soul,
They teach me forgiveness for failings and foibles,
Resilience imbued with fortitude,
How to stay young with fervor,
How to grow old with grace,
How to be a dad.
A father’s pride.
Copyright ©Henri Ferguson 2008
Author notes
Just last week I had all three girls together in town for their maternal grandfather’s funeral, (the youngest still lives in the Cayman Islands). Although it was a rather somber occasion as often the case these events have a way of bonding people and serve as a reminder of our own mortality. Seeing folks that I have not seen in many years and how aging affects us all takes me to that introspective place of gratitude. Like their grandfather, I too will leave this plane at some point, so there is no time like the present to say the things I want to say, and not take them with me to the other side. The sweetness of a father’s pride.
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heart-warming
I loved this - and I've always thought that particular photo was spectacular! - this is so full of pride and love and compassion, a lovely balance of emotions. The final lines of the first verse ... I keep going back to, the 'nevertheless' seems to trip me up there, but if its in the previous line then the 'ever' and it start to fight... just being critical cause I'm coming to it fresh I suppose - sorry! Its a charming piece and I'm looking forward to wraping more of your poetry around me!
como siempre, amigo,
Sheona
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You're a natural Henri. Beautiful daughters, and sexy dad I might add
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How are you, stranger?
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Affectionately perfected ...
a wonderful dedication to three beautiful daughters, from a very handsome father!
How precious a poem, shared love in loss and in gain of life's sorrows and joys ... secured in vein and in spirit and soul.
How good to have a family ... and you as a healer will know the importance of been close-knit in a world so indifferent.
Love to you and yours, Poet, and may you have more family gatherings and happy events. You are such a gentle soul ... I am so glad you are back.
Blessed be.
Myra
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Hi Myra,
Your book arrived in the mail yesterday and it's beautiful! Thank you for that and I am proud to have my poems associated with your amazing work.
Much love,
Henri
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I'm certain that you think of precious things that each of them did as toddlers and then youngsters. Those things never go away for us. They mark our lives like rings on a tree. You are a most kind soul. An old soul who can not only claim the things shared and hope for for all of us, but deliver a message that so many need to hear in an isolated society where even parents and children go there own ways. I have met so many people during my journey who will reflect fondly on their children and then pause to state that they haven't spoken to them in years. If that is the case for some readers here perhaps they will change that. Congratulations on the poem and the visit and time you all spent together my friend. RC
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Lovely girls..you have reason to be proud. I'm sure they are equally proud of YOU!
Maureen
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there's nothing like being a dad.
this is a great read, satisfying and honest.
it's nice to know there are three more such people in the world, and so well loved
a tale of recipricated grace.
I like it.
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What a great read this one is! I have three handsome and wonderful grown young men, so this kinda hit close to home for me.
I will never forget the words my eldest son, said at my dad's funeral a few years ago, "If I can be half the man that my grandfather was, then I have done him proud" Well I venture to say, my dad is quiet pround of him today.
You did a wonderful job on this one!!
Thanks for featuring this one, or sadly I would have missed it!!
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I love this one.
I have three beautiful grown daughters too. We went on an adventure this weekend and it was like it was as they were growing up. We would always have these spur of the moment adventures. Now they are grown professional women in their thirty's and forties but this weekend they were young girls again. I could not say it better myself so If you don't object I will email them your poem, giving you full credit of course.
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A Great Write
I am glad I clicked on this and its just so beautiful without a doubt,you reminded me of just like my dad,his children are his life,this is truely unique and a great poignant dedication to your daughters and thanks for sharing,God Bless,Hazel
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Beautiful daughters of a handsome dad
There's a religious belief that, hopefully, from every sadness there evolves some good. Looks like a lot of good surrounded the loss of your daughter's maternal grandfather since brought everyone together. Looks like a lot of good lives in your heart and surrounds you in positive karma reflected in each one of your daughter's beautiful faces. Beautiful sentiment transcribed into a beautiful write.
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What a beautiful and loving tribute to your three daughters, Henry. Oh, but aren't they beautiful!!! You are indeed blessed and this poem is just another way of making precious memories for and with them. This poem is the roses you're giving them while you still have them and they have you.
I can feel and almost touch the sweetness of this father's pride here... made my eyes all soft. Thank you for sharing this graceful and tender oration of love.
~ Nicolette
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this is so touching. Written so well and it is something ever little girl wants her father to tell her as a bedtime story.
I become their loving witness
As they venture forth
On their respective journeys.
Stretched across the miles
Our interwoven lives becomes the fabric
That will not be torn,
This is family.
That was my favorite part, the way you wrote it was wonderful. Great job.
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a beautiful sentiment, spoken well. I too have daughters which fill me with a sense of pride. whenever I begin to think all is wrong with the world, they remind me of what I did right.
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They are sunlight drenching cloudy days,
Heavenly rain for the parched soul,
They teach me forgiveness for failings and foibles,
Resilience imbued with fortitude.
How to stay young with fervor,
How to grow old with grace,
How to be a dad.
A father’s pride.
~ A loving tribute to your daughters, beautiful.
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first off you have very beautiful daughters. this poem was wonderful and really moving.. i wish my father took as much pride in us as you do in your daughters is a blessing for your trust me. and one more thing i wish you the best fathers day it may be early but it may be the only time i can tell you so have a wonderful fathers day full of joy
and keep writing! -
Spectacular!!
This is an awesome poem expressing the
thrills of being a loving dad.
I too have daughters, twins 19 and the
eldest daughter 20. They light up my life
and help me to understand women better.
I commend you on such an exquisite piece.
Bravo and HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
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The Poem was just as sweet as the Authors Note I know the occasion was not one that you would have picked but seeing everyone together brings joy back to your spirit
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You have beautiful daughters Henri. If they hold half of your depths, then they are beautiful inside as well.
I too have three daughters and am glad to say that my ex husband never regretted not having sons.
Lovely expression of your caring and love towards these three strong women of your life. It can be quite a wonderful symbiosis when the Father can learn as much from the child as they do from him. I can see that your family was born of such a blending.
Very nice work Henri...
Happy early Father's Day!
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Wow Ferg..First of all, you have a beautiful family! This poem is a wonderful dedication to your precious daughters, and you are right, they will always be children to you. What a blessing that you seem to have such a powerful bond with them. So many do not ever get that. I really am touched by this write, as I know your daughters will be as well. This is very well written. Blessings, Patty
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