PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

A WEEKEND WITH DAD



I spent a weekend with my Dad, a simple task to do.

I hoped to solve the pain I have and work it fully through.

My mind was set in black and white, I couldn’t see the gray.

The man I met appeared the same, but he had changed some way.



My plans were clear, I’d made them fast, my purpose to confront,

to ask the whys and hows and whats and make them hard and blunt.

I’d bare my soul and share my pain, I’d make him see the light.

I’d be the man I wished I’d been while he reigned through my fright.



But when presented with the chance to open up and vent,

I found myself just pleased to sit, and listen as we went.

He shared with me, some of the pain he’d carried through his life.

Our lives, though different to be sure, had shared a kindred strife.



Instead of lashing out in pain, the pain he’d placed within,

I saw before me just a man, with pain inside of him.

It didn’t change the fact that pain was woven in my heart,

It did however change the need I thought I’d had to start.



I couldn’t find the piece of soul, I longed for to be free,

I found instead the peace of soul, I’d always had in me.

The power in my life he had, was never his to have,

The only power that I’d lost, I’d given to my Dad.



I gave that power free to him, in hopes he’d treat me fair,

I gave it to him all my life, and hoped that he would care.

He hadn’t strength to heal himself, how could he heal me too?

I gave him what he couldn’t take, and blamed him when he flew.



The past is past, it hurts to look and see what has transpired.

I’ve found within my heart and mind, the strength to finally sire,

The hurting child within the depths, who used to cringe and cower.

Now that I know I hold that strength, I know that child will flower.



I know I said my Dad had changed, I think that’s partly true;

But more important than his change, is one that I’ve been through.

His time has passed, his job is done, it’s taken by another,

I know that now that hurting child has found a better lover.



I’ll love myself and with God’s help replant the love within,

In doing so, I’ll fully grow, move on and finally win.



© Barton J. Breen 1999