Poems
Be the father that is needed
More than your sexual prowess
an ambitious seed bolting to the finish line
laying claim to an egg
more than the surname
signalling immortality
I left evidence of my existence
more than all the conscious or unconscious
flexes with bravado
pounding on the chest
see me/applaud my manhood
more than anything
is the child that sings out
daddy daddy daddy
remain steadfast and guide
be the example of commitment
son and daughter need you equally
to be present in all ways in their lives
stand under the sun and shade of love
be the love that's as enduring as yam
be present in the present and show up
constant as the sun gliding across the day
be the father who listens as well as directs
who stands at the crossroads
of life to ensure that your progeny
has a path to walk and even if there're brambles
he will know how to navigate
she will measure her strength
against the magnitude of your
consistent presence that is
rock and soft place to shelter
because you're father and daddy
protector and advocate
modelling a love as perennial and revered
as the guango tree.
- Opal Palmer Adisa
Ciao dad
I went away to a far and distant land
I started to get depressed and feel sad
He told me I should be a woman and stand
"Cheer up", He said, "and try to be glad".
I told him I missed him and wanted to come home
He said be brave and try to make it on your own
I cried and said I have no one and I am feeling the distance syndrome
He assured me that we can sometimes use the phone.
I got the news that He was not well.
I asked my siblings what to do now?
They said He is strong and that He has a good cell
I got the sad news that He died without saying ciao.
Hortense Francis
My Father
I thought it was wonderful that he was well read
For he had all the answers for questions in my head
I remember I thought that he knew everything
He played songs on the piano, my grandmother would sing
I remember his poise, his ease and his charm
Even in chiding, he was still warm
We'd run to the front, each child for to see
The man who was standing by the front door
There were hugs and kisses or a swing for all four
We giggled and laughed as each one would soar
He was handsome and bright, athletic and wise
I saw his strength in so many ways
He never got ruffled, hummed when unsettled
And cared for the old an downtrodden
He made excellence his goal, serving his country
Made time for his friends with many a party
He held a presence whenever he entered a room
Yet the kindness in his eyes was something to behold
His memory lives on, so vivid and clear
And I really wish that he was still here.
- Winsome Miller-Rowe
A proud father
The husband of my mother,
A proud father of his children.
Aggressive but affectionate,
Rough and tough.
Masculinity personified.
A God-fearing man.
An early bird, never late for work nor church.
A humble brown man from rural environs,
A man whose strength is that of many lions.
Easy to talk to, a big story teller.
Oh I remember those Anancy stories.
The riddle me this, riddle me that.
A lover of sports especially cricket.
And he can tell you all about the wicket.
Some call him Bullon, don't mess with him.
Some call him Smiley, he will make you smile from ear to ear.
An entrepreneur, a truck driver he was,
A retiree he is.
Farmworker, ship worker,
A traveller with many different experiences
Hardworking, helpful and warm
Irie man, a real Jamaican man
My defender, my supporter and my promoter
I am blessed to have a father,
Who thinks and speaks only the best of me.
A father who always listened to me and never molested me
A father who always prayed for me to be happy and prosperous
He is not rich but his love for me is,
He nurtured my confidence.
And always encouraged me to be bold and strong
With him I am never wrong.
I am his princess and the apple of his eye.
His love for me extends beyond the sky.
- Erika Heslop Martin
Daddy you taught me -Tribute to Daddy
Daddy you taught me
Many a thing
Trust God and serve Him
Money's not everything
Follow your passion
Read, learn and grow
Find creative ways
To teach what you know
Whatever you work at
Give it your best.
Always remember
A change is like a rest.
Be a good parent
Spare not the rod,
Cultivate in your children
A true heart for God
Respect authority
Always be polite
Ask God to help you
Fight the good fight
Look for the bright side
God will always come through
What seems like a setback
Will work out better for you
Daddy, you demonstrated
How to accept with grace
The challenges you met
Near the end of life's race
Now your Mission's Accomplished
You've fought the good fight
So till we meet again,
Rest well Dad, Goodnight.
Sharon Earle-Edwards