What I Would Say to My Dad

I don’t know you as I would choose to
Much in the same way you don’t know me
You keep to yourself most of the time
Only certain parts of you can be seen
I don’t really know any tales from your youth
Or stories of how you became a man
All I know is what I’ve lived with you
Was that at all according to your plan?

I’ve heard more about you as you have told others
When I just happened to be in the room
Why you didn’t feel it important to share before
To know your thoughts I wouldn’t begin to presume
From you I have learned quite a lot
In what you did and what you failed to do
It all went to shape who I am today
But the moments I’m contented with you are few

I never doubted your love for me
Your support you never withheld
Anything I needed I had to only but ask
In all this you did, never volunteering yourself
I always had to come to see you
Never you coming to me
Your time and your stories are what I was wanting
Who you were, what I wanted to see

Most of my strengths I claim as inherited
The best of yourself passed on down the line
My weaknesses I think are also from you
In me you definitely shine
Now that it’s time for me to be dad
Your lessons I keep close at hand
Your best and your worst will help me become
As a hero to my son I will stand

Respect and your best are what I expect
Nothing is out of your reach
Provision for family is what I will be
Through my actions is what I will preach
He will know who I am and who I was once
A clear picture of my life I will paint
To be honest without fear and discard any rage
To be patient in life and to wait

As you have said unto others (never once said to me)
As a father you consider yourself a failure
If a reflection of me as a parent you’re seen
Count a success the result of your labor