Thursday, June 13, 2013

Father's Day


In the wake of this celebration,
I toast to you who truly appreciate
the meaning of Father’s day

Not to change the course of history
but I shall celebrate once more
the figure that took its place
filling the role of loving parent

She did not show me how
to change a tire or oil
or catch a baseball in a glove
or build my muscles by picking
hundred pound weights
above my head

She taught me how to roll
the flour for tortillas and 
make aroz con pollo
she taught me that to sing
while cooking would make
the food taste better

How to wash dishes
and clean the house
how to iron my own
shirts and pants
to be thankful for what we have,
before I’d go to bed

I lost out on 'old school' traditions
of fathers showing sons what’s
underneath the hood  but 
in lieu, the time we'd share
loving single Mothers care

she fulfilled both roles
of parenting came to watch me
play my sports, with hugs
a plenty when I'd get hurt.
she instilled in me a great
appreciation, in the absence
of a father figure,
a true parents worth

Happy Father’s Day, Mother

10 comments:

  1. What a heartfelt and lovely tribute to your mother! You can learn to change a tire any time, but love and care are priceless. Your wife must be a very lucky woman!

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  2. oh, this was wonderful. very strong post...

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  3. OMG, mi amigo, this is FANTASTIC. PLEASE post this at Poets United's poetry pantry this weekend, will you? The theme is Father's Day and this is already my favorite response! Single moms will all bless you. I do!

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  4. This is such an evocative piece. I can feel your love for your mother with every verse.

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  5. Gracias ladies. I was thinking of all of you who have to continually battle steretypes imparted by ignorance.

    Welcome, Fly Girl, Gracias for your leaving a 'breadcrum'.

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  6. nice...i appreciate those momes that fill the dad's role...and other guys that do as well...when the father is absent....your love of your mom shines man...

    your link at poets united did not work, i assume it was this one?

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  7. I wrote in a similar vein, kiddo, inspired by your wonderful tribute to your mom - havent posted it yet but will soon. Your link at Poets United doesnt take you back to this poem - would you like to try linking it again?

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  8. Beautiful and meaningful ~ I only have great admiration for those who fulfill both roles ~ Your mom is truly remarkable ~

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  9. A beautiful tribute! My mother and brother have this kind of Father's Day, too! I love the tenderness in your words!

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