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Valentine

I send this Valentine to you
The man I never really knew

Who pottered in the garden shed
But tucked us safely up in bed

Said many words, and sang them too
I send this Valentine to you

A man who loved and had to learn
How to be tender in return

Burn up these childish memories
I will not dwell on such as these

Please hear my words I sing anew
My Dad I never really knew

They are the best that I can do.

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 8 of 8

  • chills gold member
    February 14

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    Dads - salt of the earth...

    Keith this was so very fine. All you can do is your best. This really made me think about all the hype and nonsense - and that a valentine can be for someone that you don't want to **** .... this is wonderful .... a revelation.

    Did it (your relationship with your dad) make you behave differently with your children? (Given the difference in generation and expectations)

    This was so full of understanding and love - it deserves a bookmark and my best high three - would that it could be X a million xx Debs


    • Keith
      February 15
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks, chills, glad you liked it. I trust I've done my best by my children - but I'm better with firm handshakes than continental twin-cheek kisses! Each day is part of a learning process, isn't it? Best Wishes.

      And by the way, I did love my father. He was a wonderful man. And I miss him. He used to sing to me. That's worth a lot in my book.


  • Bartholomew Mole
    February 14

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    I, a very disillusioned and cynical mole of German extraction but with a schwarze Vater, found this a sad little poem. But who can tell what is true on the wunderbar-Internet? Anyway I give the clap.


    • chills gold member
      February 14
      Edit | Reply
      The clap - ah to give is to receive.

    • Keith
      February 14
      Edit | Reply
      Ich danke Ihnen vielmals, Bart. You have hit the nail straight upon the head. And many thanks for the applause.

  • ea silver member
    February 14
    Edit | Reply
    The portrait you paint of his being there but not really being there is a universal one that many can relate to. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your father and your relationship at this time.

    All the best,
    ea


  • MargaretG
    February 14

    Edit | Reply
    I think you speak for a lot of us. The generation born between the wars had a lot to do, and tenderness was often sacrificed for a greater need. We do not understand our parents until much later, when we have been in their place. It is a tragedy to be human.
    Take a look at stanza 4? I love the solitary last line.

    • Keith
      February 14
      Edit | Reply
      You spotted the weakness, M. I've had a shot at sorting it out. Thanks for your kind words. My father was a sensitive man in a world where love was often not allowed. So many ways there are of expressing love, and I am still learning them. Best Wishes.

1 - 8 of 8