The Ballard Of A Fatherless Child

A poem based on a true story.

The day was warm, but raining.
The summer heat was taming.
I was all alone you see.
All-day it stayed raining.

Alone with the window seal, they sat.
Holding that dumb pink stuffed fluffy cat.
This was his only child.

Yet, to visit he never bothered.
A harsh and cruel tongue had he.
His fists he’d raise when he’s mad.
The child never spoke his name.
For his name would only bring shame.

Oh, may, oh may you love me someday.
Carry me in your arms you may.
The child never spoke his name.
The child didn’t want the shame.

“You never cared!” Was what the child spoke.
Whilst he started drinking his can of Coke.
“I never meant to be a broken man. If you must hate me, go ahead, you can.”
He packed his bag and decided to go.

Oh, may, oh may you die someday
Lay you in the ground your hidden away.
The child never wanted to hate him so.
The pain he felt, the child didn’t know.

20 years since that day,
The hate and anger washed away.
The child knows he was only a broken man.
He always did the best he can.

Oh, may, oh may you rest in peace.
You were my father, your soul released.
Fly away from the pain I know you had.
Someday we will meet again, 
Be the angel now, fly away while you can.

Authors note

A reflective week lead us to post this piece about our father. While we don’t always post personal poetry here, we felt it would be therapeutic to share it. Sometimes letting go of the past means embracing the transparency of sharing your story.