Poems

Memories a Father Sews

Happy Father’s Day (to Orlando, my father)

You are frozen in a special place—

the good memories i save here,

your spirited smile

you are always smiling

you walked around in your shorts, shirtless,

moving through the garden,

digging, pruning, reaping—

but what i remember most

are the early morning swims at Gunboat Beach,

Palisadoes sky still dark,

we always arrived before the sun.

the gate was locked,

and you would lift my sister and me over.

you held our hands,

led us to the ocean’s edge.

then you would dive in

and swim so far

i couldn’t see you—

i was sure the sea had swallowed you.

but then, you came back.

—taking turns—

you swam me out far-far, then my sister.

you taught us to float,

to move our hands,

and in the ocean,

you were like a tadpole,

or a turtle, or a fish—

so at ease,

so one with it.

i will never forget—

those sunday mornings

nor the sunday evenings

in your Austin car,

you drove us around ending near the Racecourse

where you bought us ice cream.

also locked in my memory—

the green parrot,

Pretty Parrot,

you fed and cared for

you showed us how to be brave

so it would stand on our arm

Yes, there are absences

and other things

that interrupted the relationship,

but i am so glad

i have these memories.

memories a father should sew

into the life of his children

that is my wish—

for every child:

that there is a father

or a man who gifts them

indelible memories

they will take to their grave

Thank you, Daddy.

thank you, Orlando.

and i feel your presence—

even now

one of my ancestors.

– Opal Palmer Adisa

# # #

Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day

From me to you with endless love

Blessed is the day I came from your spine

Without you I would not be fine

I am happy and blessed to call you mine

I will love you till the end of time.

Happy Father’s Day

To the best father the world has ever seen

Joyful, joyful dad I adore thee

My heart melt inside when you sing with me

You took such good care of me

Making sure I am always safe and never in need

You are the best father ever indeed

I thank God every day that I am your seed.

Happy Father’s Day

Father, you love me as God commanded you

And I thank you for always being there for me

Dad, I cannot live my life without you

You provided for me and sent me to school

You taught me about life and the golden rules

Not having you would turn my joys to despair

For I am blessed with a father who cares.

Happy Father’s Day

Blessed is the day God gave me to you

You are always there to fight my fight so bold

Your guidance made my dreams come through

A father’s love is priceless, no diamonds, no pearls

Not even the rubies of Ethiopia can be compared

You worked 7days per week to shelter us from the cold

A father’s love is worth more than silver and gold.

– Patree Haynes