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Canuckster
Member

since 2002-01-09

Posts 285
New Mexico, USA

0 posted 2002-01-17 10:48 AM

A WEEKEND WITH DAD

I spent a weekend with my Dad, a simple task to do.
I hoped to solve the pain I have and work it fully through.
My mind was set in black and white, I couldn’t see the gray.
The man I met appeared the same, but he had changed some way.

My plans were clear, I’d made them fast, my purpose to confront,
to ask the whys and hows and whats and make them hard and blunt.
I’d bare my soul and share my pain, I’d make him see the light.
I’d be the man I wished I’d been while he reigned through my fright.

But when presented with the chance to open up and vent,
I found myself just pleased to sit, and listen as we went.
He shared with me, some of the pain he’d carried through his life.
Our lives, though different to be sure, had shared a kindred strife.

Instead of lashing out in pain, the pain he’d placed within,
I saw before me just a man, with pain inside of him.
It didn’t change the fact that pain was woven in my heart,
It did however change the need I thought I’d had to start.

I couldn’t find the piece of soul, I longed for to be free,
I found instead the peace of soul, I’d always had in me.
The power in my life he had, was never his to have,
The only power that I’d lost, I’d given to my Dad.

I gave that power free to him, in hopes he’d treat me fair,
I gave it to him all my life, and hoped that he would care.
He hadn’t strength to heal himself, how could he heal me too?
I gave him what he couldn’t take, and blamed him when he flew.

The past is past, it hurts to look and see what has transpired.
I’ve found within my heart and mind, the strength to finally sire,
The hurting child within the depths, who used to cringe and cower.
Now that I know I hold that strength, I know that child will flower.

I know I said my Dad had changed, I think that’s partly true;
But more important than his change, is one that I’ve been through.
His time has passed, his job is done, it’s taken by another,
I know that now that hurting child has found a better lover.

I’ll love myself and with God’s help replant the love within,
In doing so, I’ll fully grow, move on and finally win.

© Barton J. Breen 1999

never try to teach a pig to sing
it wastes your time AND annoys the pig

N orth Carolina Girl
Senior Member

since 2001-12-04

Posts 962
NC,USA

1 posted 2002-01-17 10:58 AM

Bartin,an absolutely wonderful and heartfelt poem.I`m glad to hear that things are better.Somethings we never get over but learn to deal with them.WONDERFUL!

Juanita

"always have a smile on your face it makes people wonder what you`re up to:

peaches73533
Senior Member

since 2001-11-04

Posts 981
OK, USA

2 posted 2002-01-17 11:07 AM

I am so happy for you.I know what it's like to have a painful past to work through.And now that you've done that you'll have an enriched and wonderful life.I enjoyed this very much.
Peaches

True Reflections
Member

since 2001-12-04

Posts 143
Ohio, USA

3 posted 2002-01-17 04:55 PM

Barton,
What a great poem. I'm still learning about my father also. He used to freak out whenever I tried to kiss and hug him goodbye. Now he would be disappointed if I didn't. I love him more now than I ever have. I didn't know him near as well as I thought I had. You've touched a special part of my life with this poem. Thanks for sharing it.

Roger

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

4 posted 2002-01-17 05:46 PM

YAY!!! Oh my gosh, my heart goes out to you for all you've been through, but I'm also so happy and proud to see you stepping forward with hope and looking to find love and joy once more, for courage is something very difficult to obtain! (big hugggsssss) We all love you so much, sweet friend, we all believe in you and know you will be blessed with eternal happiness! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Bart, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

strbbux
Member Elite

since 2001-12-19

Posts 3859

5 posted 2002-01-17 06:06 PM

Barton this was simply wonderful. In understanding the pain of others , we understand our own pain.wonderful poem and so well written. floria

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-12-05

Posts 8296
Michigan

6 posted 2002-01-17 09:49 PM

This poem truly touched my heart, Bart..
It sounds a lot like the relationship I share with my mother.
Beautifully written

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled" Gwendolyn Brooks

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