To a Father from a Son
by
Sammy A.
(Age: 17)
copyright 11-09-2005
Age Rating: 13 to 127
Daddy,
Remember back when I was a little boy?
That innocent kid with big brown eyes
who also learned about pain at too young an age
Daddy,
Remember those nights?
You coming home from work,
using me as your "release"
and not stopping until morning,
no matter how hard I cried
Daddy,
Remember all those times you shoved me down the stairs,
hit me with anything within your reach,
abandoned me for days at a time,
and took advantage of your job as a doctor to get away with this?
Well, Daddy,
now I've done some growing up,
thought about what you did to me,
touched the ridged scars that streak across my back
and shudder at the terrifying memories you left.
Now I'm here, in front of your face,
and not the little boy you knew me as.
You feel nervous, because I am no longer oblivious
of what you were doing to me.
I will look you long and hard in the eye,
then lean forward and whisper, "I forgive you, daddy."
---
Feel free to point out my mistakes. This is a poem for my English class that is going in my anthology, so I haven't had it corrected or anything yet.
Also, this is not a personal poem and it never happened to me.
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Wow this is an AMAZING poem! I'm so happy it didn't happen to you. You kept me going through the whole thing, the ending really surprised me. I can't think of anyone that would forgive their father for something like this. I know people who's parents used to abuse them (they moved out.) But this would never be an option for them. Quite surprising, very good piece. Keep up the awesome work! Can't wait to read more!
Just a fellow writer,
♥ Cassie J.S.G.
Even though this didn't happen to you, it happens to many people. I think it is really good that you wrote this because forgiving is very hard. From experience i say it is a shame to those who have been through something alike to your poem. I hope you do good in that class you should with what everyone, including me, thinks of it.
This was full of such emotion and intensity! It's such a shame how people take out their own problems on other people especially children. It's sweet that he had forgiven his daddy. You poem really touched me.
Great Job!
Shannon
This is a beautiful message for us all. There are so few who really turn the other cheek; so many bent on revenge! Technically this is awesome, structured well with a smooth flow.
Sammy, I must admit that this poem really angered me and it wasn't till the end that I thank God that you did not have to go through this experience. Having said that, I tell you I know many grown-ups today that went through this same experience that you've so eloquently and intelligently described. One of the attributes of a good poet is to put himself in many different situations, describe it as if it was really happening and to finally describe the emotions that he feels in a convincing manner. You have done that remarkably. These people I've mentioned to you, have found it very difficult to forgive their parents for the abuse committed. Till this day, they cannot rise up to them and look them up in the eye, let alone challenge their authority and there are those who have stood up and ultimately avenged their screaming "child," committing the ultimate sin. You have done a fantastic job here and I commend you for it. I don't see any mistakes. Thank you for sharing this piece.
Not what I expected, but very good. I felt the pain and rage welled up within me, but to forgive is divine. Good job. I will have to learn how to do that. I wrote about my own pain (Burning Memories - http://www.prose-n-poetry.com/display_work/690)
It's nice to be included in an anthology. It's something for you to keep for all time. :-)
Well, Daddy,
now I've done some growing up,
thought about what you did to me,
touched the ridged scars that streak across my back
and shudder at the terrifying memories you left.
Welcome !
