Fatherhood does have the same image as motherhood. Although, it is a concept that many enjoy, many do not have fond memories of their Father. We know Fatherhood should be more than a biological function. It is an amazing gift, an opportunity to be a part of creating life and contributing to its development. Fatherhood should take a person out of the realm of selfishness and place them in a position of leadership, to significantly add to the life of others.
When Fatherhood is viewed through the eyes, minds and expressions of mate and our children, we can see the enormous value and expectations inherent in the role. Children learn so much from our presence and our absence. The family knows each person is valuable when Fathers love and support them. They feel accepted and important.
When Fathers function on all cylinders, life is better for our families. By extending love, providing direction and support, we make each family member stronger to face a challenging world. I try to be the best Father possible, faults and all, and hope my example inspires my wife, my daughter and my son. My children will learn from me, either what to do or what is not acceptable. I will always have an open door to converse about their triumphs and their difficulties. It is my role and I accept it willingly.
As a poet, I have written over 600 poems about a variety of people and topics. It dawned on me years ago that I had not written a poem about my Father, to my father. I sat down and the words and images of appreciation washed over me. The many memories spelled out a title, which quickly rolled from my thoughts to my notebook; “He stayed.”
He stayed –
A tribute to my father,
Norrell Ceaser
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He stayed,
When it was more convenient to walk away,
He chose to raise his family
And to this day,
His potent presence helps give life definition
And models manhood as
A cherished tradition.
He stayed
And said expect bad weather and rocky terrain,
But persevere and push patiently
Through the pain
Of ambiguity
And the desire to quit;
Wrestle the problem
Until you conquer it.
He stayed
And went to high school through
A correspondence course.
He would use discipline
And threatened to use force.
His conversation
Made sure his message was felt
And condemnation
Was never used, but a belt
Was added to his repertoire
Of instruments,
To let us know that what he said,
Was what he meant.
He stayed
And helped manufacture memories
To soothe me,
Like watching wrestling on TV
And monster movies
And staying at company
Picnics until dark
And spending time
At River View
Amusement Park.
He stayed,
I remember he put peanuts in his Pepsi,
He worked three jobs
And each time he left me,
There was never
A question that he would return.
His life was the lesson
And we were there to learn
The difference between false
And what was true;
A case study of what to do
And not to do.
He stayed.
The best summer of my life
We worked together.
We rode the busses and the train,
Discussed whether
College would prepare me
For all that life demands.
He wanted me to use my mind,
Not just my hands.
He stayed.
He read manuals to repair appliances;
Left us to do our math
And the sciences.
He had his problems
But held up under the strain
Of raising eleven children
And did not complain.
He was always soft-spoken
When I walked with him;
Accessible and open
When I talked with him.
We are thankful for the foundation
That he laid.
We feel love and appreciation
Because he stayed.
Copyright © 2007 Orlando Ceaser
