A Father's Love

[skalenfehl]

I had a rough childhood and despite what my dad put me through, there were enough tender moments that I knew without a doubt that my dad loves me. It's funny how like my dad I am. I love my dad. My poetry/verse is very personal, but I feel compelled to share it here. The ending is presumptuous, but I strive to live so that this comes to fruition. I've shared this with very, very few people since the day I finished it years ago. Perhaps it can benefit some reader. This is my original work.

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A Father’s Love

Reminiscing days of youth, one childish desire

A skateboard for my pride and joy--my chariot of fire!

On gilded wheels I soared upon my gift from father when

One fateful day a tiny rock my dignity had stolen.

Oh how I cried, tears streaming; on bended knees I fell

And to my side my father came my pain to gently quell.

“I’m here my son,” he softly said, “Please do not despair,”

Then lifted me so comforting with strength beyond compare.

Remembering years later, of fatherhood, my quandary

My sons in righteousness to raise, I oftentimes lay pondering.

And questioning my efforts, vain? Recalling desperation,

I longed for reassurance through fervent supplication.

Oh how I cried, tears streaming; on bended knees I fell.

And to my side my Father came my pain to gently quell.

“I’m here my son,” He softly said, “Please do not despair,”

Then lifted me so comforting with strength beyond compare.

A tired old man’s reflection; my visage on display

Bore witness of my earthly trials faced each and every day

No sooner was my race complete, I laid this mortal by;

Before the judgment-seat I stood and I began to cry!

Oh how I cried, tears streaming; on bended knees I fell.

And to my side my Father came my pain to gently quell.

“I’m here my son,” He softly said, “Please do not despair.”

Then lifted me so comforting with strength beyond compare.

No longer troubled, heart and mind, I knew my race was won

And sweeter still, His words, “Well done my good and faithful son!”

© 2003 Marc Martinez

[pam]

That was absolutely beautiful.

[skalenfehl]

Thank you, pam. :)

[RachelleDrew]

I'm a sentimental baby. My eyes started welling up.

You've got a real gift for verse. This has a nice flow to it, and the image it creates in your mind is fantastic. Have you tried to publish any of your work?

[skalenfehl]

Thank you. I've thought about it, but not sure if my work is worthy, good enough, etc. or who would be interested, etc.

[sonyb52]

This was an amaizing poem.. You are so good at it.. Thanks for sharing it.. You really should start doing this again.. I believe in you..

[Hemidakota]

You ever thought of placing these within a book form?

[Palerider]

wow......good stuff

[skalenfehl]

Thanks, all. I am hoping very much to be published, but my efforts are currently being poured into writing LDS fiction. I'm currently working on a manuscript and hopefully my first draft will be ready for submission by the end of the year. Even if I end up self publishing, I feel that I have a lot to offer with what I have to write about.

[lestertheemt]

Don't give up as you truly have a wonderful gift!!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

[applepansy]

I'm impressed.

A~

[skalenfehl]

I've been asked often in pm's about which father is which in the above poem. Some folks think it's about my dad and others say it's about Heavenly Father. The answer is both--at different stages in my life. The first part is about my dad and really did happen when I was a boy, which is what inspired this poem. The second part is about a point in my life when I'm praying, hence a different kind of falling to my knees. This is where Father in Heaven comforts me in prayer. The third part is speculative. I find myself standing to be judged in the next life and fall to my knees, but this time in surrender to my fate. This is where Heavenly Father literally comes to my side and literally picks me up from the floor and reassures me that I did alright in life, and that's my ultimate hope.