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Michael
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since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California

0 posted 1999-09-17 07:32 PM


A FATHER'S RIGHT

My child I must say goodbye,
My child, yet without a name.
A silent tear on the eye,
My truest sorrow, deepest shame.

My love for you I only pray -
Has made its way into your heart.
And yet, I curse the very day -
I gave your existence its start.

The anger wrenches at my soul,
Cuts me to pieces where I stand.
Our relationship will never be whole,
When I may never even hold your hand.

But who cares what a man may lose,
All society seems to believe;
That it's your mother's right to choose,
And my only right is to grieve.



[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 09-17-99).]

© Copyright 1999 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved
juanita
Member
since 1999-08-13
Posts 68
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1 posted 1999-09-17 07:49 PM


I'm afraid you are right, tough poem
Michael. very sad...

Elizabeth
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871
Minnesota
2 posted 1999-09-17 07:51 PM


How true this is of society-it's the mother's right and they seem to forget about the father. Powerful.

------------------
*Elizabeth*

"Dwelt a maid belov'd and cherish'd by high and low,
But with autumn leaf she perish'd, long time ago..."



DreamEvil
Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396

3 posted 1999-09-17 09:37 PM


Damn straight Michael! Have been thinking about this very issue lately. Eerie how we seem to ebb and flow in unison is it not?

------------------
Now and forever my heart hears ~one voice~.
DreamEvil©


Alwye
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Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850
In the space between moments
4 posted 1999-09-17 09:42 PM


Very powerful..your words are so true, Michael.

------------------
*Krista Knutson*

Mockery is a form of ignorance; silence, a form of wisdom. -- Daniel L. Miller


Michael
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since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
5 posted 1999-09-17 09:45 PM


Yes it is, Dream, this one has been lingering in my soul for quite some time
but I have always held the pain back for fear of other's perception.

Thank you also, juanita, Elizabeth & Alwye, this was not an easy poem to share, your support makes all the difference in the world.

Michael


[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 09-18-99).]

Isis
Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296
Sunny Queensland
6 posted 1999-09-17 10:03 PM


You have my support too Michael.
A very tough decision, the father should be consulted too, sorry for your loss.....

------------------
Words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels.
~Isis~



Michael
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Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
7 posted 1999-09-18 02:37 PM


Thank you very much, Isis.

Michael

caroline
Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218
http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm
8 posted 1999-09-18 02:42 PM


Michael this is a superior piece of poetry on a topic I feel has been largely ignored...the father seems to be the last thought anyone has. Thanks for posting it.

------------------
The only man worth your tears will never make you cry...

poetFemmeFatale
Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646
Arkansas
9 posted 1999-09-18 02:47 PM


This is certainly a delicate issue....one which deserves much consideration....society today always leans toward the mothers....but there are only 2 issues in which I side with the fathers, and this happens to be one of them....

My heart goes out to you Michael, in the sincerest of ways....I am truly truly sorry, for I know how much you do love your kids....You are a father of rare find....a beautifully moving poem. Thank you for sharing, I'm sure there are those here who can relate. My best friend writes, and he's been in your shoes....he still cries about it....every February. He lost a son like this and had no say in the matter.......my heart breaks over this anyway, for the child who can't speak, like the father also silenced.

------------------
I beckon you to come...I lure you with my tongue... - poet FemmeFatale



Poet deVine
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
10 posted 1999-09-18 03:52 PM


The 'other side of the coin'! Truly exceptional. And very sad. You are able to take the most thought provoking subjects and put them into powerful pieces of poetry!
RainbowGirl
Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023
United Kingdom
11 posted 1999-09-18 04:52 PM


Michael:..As others before me have said, it's the other side of the coin and your emotion and depth of feeling .......I wish I knew what the answers were to this dilemma...thank you for the courage and love shown in your poem..

HUGS

------------------
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.


Sunshine
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
12 posted 1999-09-18 05:50 PM


Rare is the man who speaks from his heart. Passions fortunately is blessed with you, and others, who are not afraid to speak out.

God Bless.

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
13 posted 1999-09-18 05:51 PM


I firmly adhere to the mandate "Don't mess with motherhood" - but there should be an exception to every rule - and you're it, my friend...
Crystal
Member
since 1999-07-24
Posts 62
Hazel Park Mi U.S.A.
14 posted 1999-09-18 06:33 PM


I also believe the father should have a say. If it wasn't for my childs father I probably would have never of had the beautiful son I have today.
Mark R.
Member
since 1999-06-25
Posts 113
San Francisco, CA.
15 posted 1999-09-18 10:07 PM


Michael, I am truly sorry for your loss. I have not been so blessed with having a father figure in my life. Someone like yourself. There are times where all I can think about is what my life would be like to have someone to lean on, someone to look up to, or just someone to go home to and say "Look father, I did this for you.". There have been so many times where I would give anything to have my father acknowledge the accomplishments I have made in life, the obstacles I have overcome, I just wanted him to be proud of me. Anyways, I hope that you continue to be there for your other children. Let not this loss weaken the bond you have with them. For a good father is a hard thing to find. Best of luck to you and God bless....
Billy
Junior Member
since 1999-09-05
Posts 25

16 posted 1999-09-19 02:17 PM


It's unfair to the father and to the unborn child.
Pepper
Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079
Southern Florida
17 posted 1999-09-19 02:27 PM


unfortunately the last verse of your poem is true and very sad......this piece is very powerful and touches the soul.......

------------------

May your days be filled with lots of sunshine and your nights lit up by golden moonbeams

startin_fresh
Member
since 1999-08-13
Posts 137
US
18 posted 1999-09-19 06:07 PM


Hello Michael:

I feel the anguish as it flows from your words. So often in society women are expected to weep and to have such emotions as loss,etc.. in a way only acceptable by the status quo.. but for a man to exhibit the same..is often not well received.. i admire your courage...

SF

Skyfyre
Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906
Sitting in Michael's Lap
19 posted 1999-09-19 06:36 PM


I am ... speechless ... what a message ...

So true ... so many would prefer to think that the father has no rights in the matter ... a woman's body, a woman's choice ... but the woman is only the vessel that bears the body, not the body that bears the soul ... and that body is as much the father's as the mother's ...

Poignant ... you have my respect.

Nocht

------------------
"Nunc lento sonitu dicunt, morierus"
(Now as I hear this bell tolling softly for another, it says to me, "Thou must die.")


Michael
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Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
20 posted 1999-09-19 09:24 PM


I want to thank everyone who responded to this poem. It wasn't an easy one to share, and the warm reception it recieved has been a true comfort.

Mark R., email me if you ever want to talk, my heart goes out to you. Your words, especially, meant so much.

Michael

moonmoon
Member
since 1999-08-13
Posts 277
TX , USA
21 posted 1999-09-19 10:06 PM



((hugs)) Michael...Can imagine how hard it can be..Our hearts & prayers goes out to you...

Thanks for posting it..!!!

Beki
Senior Member
since 1999-09-15
Posts 1569
Newport Beach, CA, USA
22 posted 1999-09-19 10:10 PM


Courageous post, my friend...a heart wrenching decision and poem. I don't believe in such decisions being made by anyone, but certainly a father's rights must be equally considered. {{hugs}} , my new friend...prayers with you and the unborn child
suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
23 posted 1999-09-20 12:41 PM


Very poignant... you have my sympathy!
passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
24 posted 2004-04-23 12:36 PM


sad stuff Michael
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