It’s not every day that kids
or anybody else mentions
your dear dive, your rescue
mission, your love and light,
your solid commitment or care
in a neat note, in a petite poem,
in a lovely, loud and proud post.
Still perfectly imperfect, you’re a pillar
of pillars and a hope of hopes, a badge of honour, a spring of happiness, a song whose lyrics hinge on stability and effort.
Generally, it’s not every day that kids
or anybody else mentions how you withstand or eschew blows and bows, daily drudgeries, depressions and dins.
It’s not every day that you’re expected
to be immune from the venoms and vagaries of the weather, the heights and heaviness of the mighty mountains, the slipperiness and silliness of the world’s monies, economies, taxes and taxonomies.
You’re expected to be the meek master
of your fate and family , the invincible destroyer of the madness and the meticulousness
of the mocking and munching moths.
You’re expected to be the tireless and steady fixer of the family, funds, fun and food.
Son of man and woman, as you go out
of your way and comfort zone, out of steam, as you forego things near and dear to your heart, as you sacrifice and stretch for each and every member, it could be dire, but don’t tire or retire.
Though, l feel your burnout and struggles.
You’re neither perfect nor always mighty, yet at times you’re expected
to perform ,outperform yourself
or the impossible. Yet, honestly,
you’re only human. Please remain humble, reserved, reasonable and resilient. And supportive, positive
and productive. That’s manly or noble.
It’s not every year that you’re given
your father’s fabulous flowers.
You rarely get credit for the sacrifice
and stability you create and iraddiate,
yet you’re not discouraged, distracted ,done, disappearing, complaining or conspiring. Don’t despair. Just repair.
In fact, you love and listen. You’re not
on a high horse, you’re a head on the ground hustling, hearing, learning and leading, considering , collaborating and considerate, literate, listening; inspiring and implementing.
You hardly abdicate your duty to keep the family above the water, the dins
and sins of idle talk, you walk your talk,
try your best (which isn’t always good
enough), but l don’t see hurt and bile in you, l see humility, a bit of honour, honesty and heroism. l see humanity.
Do you have to have a child to become
a father of sorts? I ask you because
I’ve heard of and known of responsible, and selfless adults who make a positive
difference in the lives of their families
in spite of the fact that, biologically or hierarchically speaking , they haven’t fathered anybody. Any man can be a dad, not every man can be a father. Right?
Some of you are unsung heroes who don’t actually know that you’re fathers
of sorts by virtue of the key roles you play , the daily or monthly sacrifices you make for your extended families’ upkeep,
,for your dear mothers and siblings, for, you’re not just responsible
adults, you epitomize and dramatize
a father’s love, care and commitment.
Today we emulate, illuminate, appreciate and celebrate you.Happy father’s day!
