The Forgotten Days of a Father

I have been writing poetry, fiction and short stories for many years and have completed a book of poems. I also enjoy comedy writing.

As he walks home in the scorching sun with just a dollar

Shirt torn, ripped in his collar

Painful hands and a scorched soul

A mine worker spending his day in coal

He knows he has to do it for the love of his son

No matter how unthankful, he cannot give up, he cannot be done

His boot is worn, may be a day or two left

A devoted father, proud, but his heart wept

It cuts him deep when he sees his joy without meal

Sometimes he thinks of breaking the law, just to provide a feed

He looks for better, but the streets are tough

Rejected by many, calling him a bum and a scruff

He wants to lay down, he wants to rest in the soil

But when he remembers the smile of his child, he has to go on.

He clasp his hands and closes his eyes

And kneels in the rain with his face to the skies

He whispers a prayer, one of a beggar

He feels exhausted, he needs better

He feels as though he was pushed from the top of a ladder

Now he returns home to his old broken shack filled with water holes

His son runs to him, kisses his dirty cheeks and gives him a tight hold

“Happy Father’s day Daddy, I love you so much.”

He broke down in love, with tears to fill a cup.

He kisses his son and hugs him so dearly

As they both hold hands and walk away, poor but in glory.

© 2018 Clive Williams

Comments

Clive Williams (author) from Jamaica on June 19, 2018:

Frank...same to you buddy. Yeah, the title sprung to my mind even before I penned the poem after hearing some dads disappointment on fathers day.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on June 19, 2018:

Happy belated Pops day my friend.. so busy this past week.. but none the less I really love the title.. don't know why it stuck in my head even after I read your poetry..

Clive Williams (author) from Jamaica on June 18, 2018:

Blessed be Eric

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on June 18, 2018:

Well I only did mining stuff in a different way. I do not remember a day with the hug. Thanks

Clive Williams (author) from Jamaica on June 18, 2018:

Ruby, Thank you my distant friend.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on June 18, 2018:

This is so very beautiful. Happy Father's Day to you my friend...