A Father’s Gift

On By ronbrownxIn Uncategorized
ME6
My Father

I’ve worked my current job for thirteen years. Before that I served twenty years in the United States Air Force. Aside from those occupations, I’ve had one ‘job’ that is more important than any other; the ‘job’ of father. Although it has not really been a “job” in the traditional sense; it does pay benefits in return for one’s hard work and dedication. Marlene Dietrich said, “A king, realizing his incompetence, can either delegate or abdicate his duties. A father can do neither.” Nor would I have done either, if given those choices.

No one is a perfect father, except our Heavenly Father. Every man starts the job as a novice and NEVER achieves Master Craftsman status. But we owe it to our children to try.

My father tried, as have I.

Proverbs 4:1-5, gives some advice to sons of fathers; having been both, I can attest to the validity of these words: “1.) Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2.) I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3.) For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4.) Then he taught me, and he said to me, ‘Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. 5.) Get wisdom, get understanding, do not forget my words or turn away from them.”’

_______

In keeping with today’s topic, I’d also like to share a poem that I wrote about my own father.  I hope you enjoy it!

 

Where Is My Father?

Sometimes I see his hands,

where a briar scratch may seep,

red against his dark brown skin.

Sometimes I hear him speak; his voice deep.

Saying something, I’ve heard him say, time and again.

Sometimes I can smell old spice or Brut by Faberge’

Sometimes I see his children; staring at him fascinated

by some seemingly impossible thing he has done that day.

Sometimes I see his arms; strong muscles animated.

Sometimes I see his eyes; the same today as yesterday.

IN THE MIRROR! I see; those eyes belong to me.

I look at my hands with that same skin.

I smell the cologne that a child gifted with glee.

And when I speak I hear his voice in mine.

Those children are my children, anachronistically.

Then I thank God for having had him.

And I thank him for the legacy he left me and them.

-Ronbrownx

Happy Father’s Day !

41 thoughts on “A Father’s Gift”

  2. OMG – you did it, you wrote a poem. I am so impressed. I’m so sorry I didn’t see this. Well done Ron and a belated happy father’s day! It is wonderful that you have good memories and good lessons. The thing I’m always amazed about is that even in traits you may not want to emulate in your parents, they surface somehow in the mirror. All the better when what you mirror gives you pride in yourself and your accomplishments. Ron – I’m so glad to see this.😀

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. ronbrownx

      Thanks Chevvy! I think that maybe we all eventually become images of our parents. They are our first images and most lasting image of parenthood, good or bad.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

        1. LOL!!! No he has some marvelous stuff. If you give me a second I’ll link you to one of the only other poems that he posted. This was a few months before we met you. Stay posted.

          Liked by 2 people

        7. Thank you honey! Just an alert for you. I might have to take a break from the blog a bit. Need to get my life in order. I’m starting to get unsettled. I will look out for the camp fire though 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

        11. ronbrownx

          Yep. Thanks for the compliments Chevvy and Cuz! Every now and then the poetry bug bites me. I’m learning as I go. Reading polished works like yours Chevvy helps a lot.

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Jet

    A beautiful Father’s Day Tribute! Your poem expressed your love and admiration for your dad, just as he loved and admired you, your brother, and sister. Fond memories are forever shared! Happy Father’s Day to you, also!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. Absolutely wonderful poem! When I read the words, “Old Spice” brought my mind and senses to the memory of Mennen aftershave my Dad wore!! Thank you for sharing memories and tribute to your handsome Dad. Happy Father’s Day to you too! ps: thank you for serving in the Air Force! You sound like a wonderful Father and role model for any ones son or daughter:) blessings, denise

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. Thank you!! Yes, my son and I have the gifts stashed for my husband, his Dad:) My husbands Dad just turned 100 in April!! We are truly blessed:) My Dad is waiting at the pearly Gates! And as a long time military, Army, Navy and National Guard, he’s wondering why we’re late!! :):):)

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

Leave a reply to Jet Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.